SCALED BACK SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT INCLUDES LONGTERM SAVINGS FOR TAXPAYERS

On September 29, 2012 the Vermilion Board of Education directed the Superintendent of Schools to conduct a public meeting on Wednesday October 10, 2012 at 7 pm at the Vermilion Local Schools Board of Education office, 1230 Beechview Drive, Vermilion Ohio 44089.  The purpose of the meeting is to present to the residents a school improvement project with the cost of the project coming from existing funds and energy savings. The Board of Education is considering voting on a resolution to begin the project later this month.

After several months of extensive planning by the citizen-run District Facility Commission and Financial Task Force, the Board, at a special meeting was presented a recommendation from both groups to begin the project. Resident Richard Zanglin representing both the Facility Commission and the Financial Task Force presented the recommendation.

“The consolidation of schools, anticipated energy savings coupled with anticipated reduced operational expenditures make this opportunity one that makes sense for both our students and community,” stated Mr. Zanglin. “Spending millions to maintain the current buildings that need constant attention is not a wise use of tax dollars, and this plan will save taxpayers millions of dollars over time and provide students with an optimal learning environment.”

The project will provide Vermilion’s K-3 students with a new facility and students in grades 4-12 with upgraded and renovated schools.  In addition, the district will pursue the sale of existing facilities not needed for school purposes. 

“The Reinvention Plan has allowed the district to achieve a financial position and stability worthy of a favorable Bond rating allowing us to pursue this creative plan without the need for new taxpayer facility dollars” Sid Jordan, President of the Board, said. “The fact that the cost of the project can be justified from savings generated by the consolidation of current school facilities and energy savings is the reason we can move forward with the next phase of the Reinvention Plan. Dialogue with the city and township regarding the use of Safe Routes to School grant money to help solve any traffic flow safety issues has already begun.”

Members from the District Facility Commission and Financial Task Force will now work with school district leaders, teachers, and staff and the City of Vermilion to provide information to all residents as to advantages of this project for students, taxpayers and the community.