A Closer Look at Schools' $145 Million Plan

Why the district is taking at a two-phased approach to fixing buildings

 By Debbie Palmer | Strongsville Patch

 School officials last week announced a $145 million plan to renovate or rebuild all the district's school buildings over the next few years.

The plan is broken into two phases. The first would begin next year, if voters in November approve an $81 million bond issue, and would pay to build a new middle school for grades 6, 7 and 8; make $27 million in improvements to Strongsville High School; make $3.5 million in "critical repairs" to elementary schools; and demolish the Allen, Center and Albion buildings.

Phase 2 would follow a few years later. A separate bond issue would pay to build three new elementary schools in Wards 1, 2 and 3; rebuild part of Muraski and renovate Kinsner; and demolish theotherelementary buildings.

Why no expansion at the high school?
While the school is crowded now, enrollment projections show that the number of students is declining pretty rapidly, according to the Facilities Task Force, a group of residents, teachers and school officials who came up with the plan.
In a few years, the students will fit comfortably in the building, the task force says.

Why build new elementary schools?
The committee had concerns about putting "major money" into buildings that are 40 years old, task force member George Grozan said.
Member Ken Evans said the group is looking to the future.
"We feel it is more expensive to invest in buildings that have a short-term life span," he said.

Only 5 elementary schools?
Again, declining enrollment shows the district won't need seven grade schools -- especially if sixth-graders move to a new middle school.

Why does Kinsner need renovations? It's not that old
Its heating and air conditioning system needs to be overhauled, and like the rest of the buildings, it was not built to accommodate today's technology, the report says.

Why two phases? Why not ask for $145 million now and tackle all the needs?
First, because families are still recovering from the economic downturn, said Mark Donnelly, the schools' business manager. Many can't afford a tax increase now.
Also, because the needs at the secondary schools are "more pressing," he said.
In addition, Assistant Superintendent John Krupinski said waiting will allow the district to get a better handle on enrollment before moving ahead with elementary school plans.

Will voters really pass two bond issues?
Yes, officials say, and here's why.
The $81 million issue will not raise taxes very much because an old bond issue is expiring. Homeowners now pay $77 a year per $100,000 in home valuation. The new issue would cost $95, for an increase of $18 a year.
Consolidating the middle schools will save money, which could ultimately delay the time when the district has to seek a new operating levy.
Voters will see that consolidating elementary schools -- as well as tearing down unneeded buildings and reducing maintenance and energy expenses in old buildings -- will also lower operating costs and be a better deal in the long run.
"Beyond the positive impact of new buildings on the community and students, there will be operating efficiencies that reduce expenses," the report says.

Seems like things are moving fast. Why the rush?
The main reason to get the bond issue on the ballot this year is to take advantage of the expiring issues. It's easier to sell voters on an $18-a-year tax increase than $95 a year, officials say.
After that, things will slow considerably, the report says. It projects construction on the middle school will start in mid-2014; the school would open in the fall of 2015.

• The task force's full report is available on the school district's website.

Jim Carbone: This Week's Name in the News

• By Debbie Palmer
• Email the author

The Strongsville Patch

Name: Jim Carbone

Position: Ward 3 City Council

Age: 39

Occupation: North Olmsted police officer 

Why he's in the news: Carbone helped draft a plan to build a new middle school with only a small increase in the amount of taxes homeonwers pay. 

A 1991 Strongsville High School graduate, Carbone wants to take advantage of the fact that existing bond issues are expiring, replacing them with a new one that homeowners would barely notice -- but would have a major impact on replacing the aging middle schools with one new building and also fixing up other school facilities.

He and school board member Carl Naso are hoping to get the bond issue on the November ballot.

"There's a real buzz in the community about it -- a real energy," Carbone said.

Also, five months into his first term on council, Carbone has already spearheaded a Pearl Road beautification effort that would require new buildings to conform to certain style and color standards to eliminate the "hodge podge" look of Route 42.

Middle School Plan: Full Speed Ahead

Board agrees to pursue bond issue and new building despite obstacles

The Strongsville Patch

By Debbie Palmer

School Board members agreed Tuesday night to move ahead with a plan to build a new middle school even though a consultant warned there could be game-changing obstacles ahead.

Craig Kertesz of Ruscilli Construction said the building, parking lot and athletic fields may not all fit on the 17-acre site the district owns near the high school.

He cautioned that the 4.91 acres of wetlands on the site could be costly to mitigate -- and take up to a year to win approvals.

And he said he doubts the district could get the new building open 2015, as hoped.

"I believe you're looking at the winter of 2016 before this building is done," Kertesz said.

But school board members unanimously said the district should nonetheless pursue the idea as aggressively as possible to get a bond issue -- it's currently estimated at $72 million -- on the November ballot.

"I want the ball to go forward. Keep it moving," board member Ruth Brickley said at a special work session Tuesday night.

"Press the pedal to the metal. I'm all for moving forward," agreed board member Jennifer Sinisgalli.

Board member Carl Naso and Ward 3 City Councilman Jim Carbone earlier this month pitched the idea of building a new middle school as a way to replace the aging Center and Albion schools and also save money by consolidating two buildings into one.

The plan, as proposed, also includes bringing sixth-graders into the middle school to allow one of the seven elementary schools to close.

The goal is to save enough money to offset the need for another operating levy in a few years.

The bond issue would replace another issue that is being paid off, so the average homeowner would only see his taxes increase about $12 a year.

"This has to happen now," Carbone said at Tuesday's work session. "There's a buzz in the community. There's energy. If we don't do this now, it's never going to happen."

Next step is to bring on a project manager who would agree to serve on a voluntary basis until the November vote.

The district also has to find at least $50,000 to handle the wetlands issues and bore for soil samples to see if the site is buildable.

But even if it isn't, "we have other options" for sites, Carbone said.

Board members said nothing is set in stone yet, although Naso said he believes consolidating schools is at the heart of the matter.

"This is a plan for consolidation because consolidation drives savings," he said.

In addition to Kertesz, Roger Riachi, president of RFC Contracting, and Marc Bittinger of CBLH Design both attended the meeting to offer free advice to board members on how to proceed.

New Middle School? Please read and share....

Plan to Build New Middle School Unveiled

Councilman, school board member announce idea to construct new building next to high school, ultimately save money for district.

By Debbie Palmer | Email the author

Two City Councilmen and school board member have unveiled a proposal to build a new middle school next to Strongsville High School -- a plan they say would bring much-needed improvements to buildings throughout the district and ultimately save money.

Ward 3 Councilman Jim Carbone, Ward 2 Councilman Matt Schonhut and board member Carl Naso want to put a bond issue on the November ballot to build a new middle school that would replace Center and Albion.

"I graduated in 1991 and I remember how bad Center was then," Carbone said. "And 21 years later, it's still bad."

The $72 million bond issue would include $55 million for a middle school, plus $12 million for improvements to the high school and $5 million for upgrades to elementary schools.
Just as important, it could offset the need for a new operating levy in two or three years, when forecasts show the district slipping back into red ink.

"This is a long-term plan to stem some of that red ink," Naso said. "I don't want to put up another operating levy in a couple years."

Carbone said the new middle school, which would likely be built on land the district already owns, could house 6th, 7th and 8th-graders, which would allow the district to also consolidate some elementary schools.
He estimates the savings in building maintenance, utilities and transportation at $1.5 to $2.5 million a year.
The district saved $1 million by closing Allen Elementary School, Naso said.

And while $72 million sounds like a lot, Carbone and Naso said homeowners would actually see a property tax increase of only about $8.42 a year per $100,000 of home valuation.

That's because other bonds are expiring. By 2014, $74.11 a year will go off the books.

Replacing those with the new bond issue, at $82.53 a year, means taxes would go up only $8.42 a year per $100,000 in home value.

"When I was campaigning, I kept hearing complaints about the school buildings," Carbone said. "People said they want us to pass levies, but we have nothing to show for it."

Other points of the plan:
• Technology -- Some of the money would go toward upgrading technology in all the schools. "You see classes still using projectors," Carbone said.

• Schools could sell property -- The district stands to make money if it sells the Center and Albion sites, as well as other land if elementary schools are consolidated.

• Bond issues pay for buildings, not operations -- Money from bond issues can only be used for hard assets like new buildings, repairs and permanent improvements, not for salaries or other operating costs.

• Boost for community -- The proponents say improving the school buildings would increase property values and help Strongsville market the city to new businesses. "It's a real face lift for the community," Carbone said.

Naso emphasized the plan is preliminary and much of it -- from the location of the new middle school, the price tag and the idea of putting 6th-graders in the new building -- could change.

"It's not the only option," he said. "But we can't keep putting millions into new roofs."

The school board is planning to meet on April 17 to discuss the idea again.

Superintendent said school police will be more alert...

Strongsville Superintendent said school police will be more alert following Chardon shooting

Published: Monday, February 27, 2012, 12:42 PM

 By Emily Hanford, Sun News

Superintendent Jeff Lampert said he sends his thoughts and prayers to students, parents and employees of the Chardon school district.

Lampert said security will pay closer attention following today’s shooting at Chardon High School. Police are stationed at Strongsville High School every school day.

“Security will be heightened. I’m working with the school leadership teams to double check the strategies we have in place,” Lampert said.

The Strongsville school district has a confidential Crisis Plan in place for emergencies ranging from shootings to tornadoes.

“Student safety is our number one priority. We have a plan in place. I feel good about what we have. Unfortunately you can never guarantee safety 100 percent,” Lampert said.

Aside from a standby officer, the high school and remaining schools in the district do require visitors to check in before entering the building.

“They are very thorough…the high school in particular because of its size,” Lampert said. “We do what we can to ensure the kids come to school in a safe environment.”

A Councilman's Big Plans for the 'Hodgepodge' on Pearl Road

Jim Carbone promised to help beautify Route 42, and he's already got the ball rolling

• By Debbie Palmer
| The Patch

Less than two months into his term, Ward 3 Councilman Jim Carbone is making good on a campaign promise to try to beautify Pearl Road.

"When you talk to people about Pearl Road, the term you hear is 'hodgepodge,'" Carbone said.

His goal: To unify the jumble of storefronts into blocks of consistent architecture, landscaping, and brick and stone color.

Carbone has long had a problem with the unsystematic growth of businesses along Strongsville's older business district.

Ward 3 Councilman Jim Carbone is leading an effort to unify the look of Pearl Road as new businesses are developed. Credit Debbie Palmer

Obviously, he can't make existing retailers rebuild.

But he can take aim at sections that are still developing, like areas on the south end of the street and at the Whitney-Pearl intersection -- if, that is, the city hurries.

"At Whitney and Pearl, in the next five years, we could see a dozen new businesses," Carbone said. 

He and other city officials, including city planner Bob Hill and Jennifer Milbrandt, coordinator of natural resources, are putting together a plan that would break Pearl Road in districts. 

They will then determine an architectural style and brick color "to make everything flow in that district," Carbone said.

It would extend to landscaping and fixtures, too -- like a hedge row in front of parking lots, pine trees on the sides of buildings, black fencing and black lamp posts.

He hopes Strongsville will have an architectural plan for Pearl Road in place in time to affect Giant Eagle's proposed construction of a Market District store, which could start this year if a rezoning issue passes at the polls March 6.

"We could really make an impact there," Carbone said.

During his campaign, Carbone said if he was elected, he would look into making Pearl Road a better-looking thoroughfare.

"It's just in the beginning stages," he said. "But if we do this, it would look like we had a plan there and create some unity among the buildings."

Why is Business Booming in Strongsville?

Great article, Thanks Debbie...

Retail is thriving here despite the stagnant economy

By Debbie Palmer | Email the author

When Janet Yurcik decided it was time to expand the home-based bakery business she and her mom ran, she chose a storefront in Strongsville.

"It is a continuously growing community that more and more people are considering as a great place for shopping," Yurcik said.She and her mom, Marcia Rehak, haven't had a moment of regret since opening the Cute Little Cake Shop in December.

"Business has been better than we ever could have imagined," Yurcik said. "We have been selling out every day since Day 1."

It's no secret the economy has taken a toll on small businesses across the country.

But you'd hardly know it looking at Strongsville's thriving retail and industrial community, which has boomed while those in other suburbs have struggled.

The reason? A little luck, hard work and a plan, officials say.

"We've worked hard to have a business-friendly reputation," Economic Development Director Brent Painter said.

The city has become a haven for start-ups over the last couple years.

"You can see it in Strongsville right now -- there's a buzz," Painter said. "There's so much activity going on here, business owners notice it and want to see what's going on."

Warm Welcomes
Location doesn't hurt, of course. Interstate 71 and the Ohio Turnpike run through Strongsville, a convenience retailers and industry owners like for their shoppers and employees.

A mall isn't a bad asset, either. Businesses have sprouted around Westfield SouthPark, and the nearby Plaza at SouthPark quickly drew major tenants like Costco, Bed Bath & Beyond and Best Buy.

But, Painter said, it's more than that. The city has cultivated a business-friendly reputation that starts in Mayor Tom Perciak's office and extends through the building and engineering departments.

"When (commercial and industrial) real estate agents feel comfortable doing business here, they'll send clients to Strongsville," Painter said.

Yurcik said the city -- and Painter in particular, who she called "really a great help and source of answers" -- made the daunting process of opening a business easier.

"You have to make sure you're helpful," Painter said. "I think other cities aren't as focused on the customer service aspect of economic development."

Building a Business Base
There's no denying business breeds business. A look at activity here over the last year tells the story.
When Borders closed, it was only a couple months before a new (as yet undisclosed tenant) was eyeing the site. Pure DeLite, a cupcake shop, is looking at a spot next door.

The former Palate restaurant has been replaced by the brand new DC Pasta Co. Rosewood Grill will fill one of the last vacant storefronts in the Plaza at SouthPark this summer. Master Pizzeria at Bennett's Corners is expanding next door with a family-friendly bar and grill.

Elevated Fitness has opened, and Dynamic Fitness has gotten approval to take over the former Ethan Allen store at Westfield SouthPark with a full-service gym.

The Royal Center plaza on Pearl Road is starting to attract tenants, and Sweet Kiddles, a drop-in child-care center, is planning to open soon. Malley's, Dunkin' Donuts and First Federal of Lakewood opened in a brand new plaza farther north on Pearl.

Rockne's and Chick-fil-A built new restaurants on Royalton Road, and Discount Drug Mart is wrapping up construction. A few others that opened: Conte's Cafe, Jimmy John's, Samurai Japanese Steakhouse and Hibachi and United Art and Education.

O'Charley's and Sheetz are now looking to build at Whitney and Pearl.

And in the biggest retail news of the year, Giant Eagle is seeking to build a 110,000-square-foot upscale supermarket -- one of only a handful of its Market District stores -- on Pearl Road.

"Just look what Giant Eagle wants to invest here," Painter said. "We're very lucky."

Plenty of Support
Planning also played a role in Strongsville's retail and industrial success, Painter said.

"When they laid out the community, they set up a lot of industrial land and room for shopping centers to grow," he said.

It has all melded into an atmosphere where Yurcik can talk, three months after opening, about expanding.
The community and other local businesses have been very supportive," she said. "I am amazed at how much people will really go out of their way to support a local business. They realize how important small businesses are to the community."