After reading some of the posted comments and listening to fellow community members, I encourage all of you to visit this site: www.bestwapakschools.com. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, however, please visit this site and read about the issue. The money from the state is not recycled tax money, but rather money from the tobacco settlement. This is money we will NOT have to pay back. All three of our elementary schools went through a 24 item Ohio School Facilities Commission Assessment Evaluation. All three of our elementary schools failed. If the cost to renovate a building is more than two-thirds, or 67%, of what it would cost to build new, the state calls for the district to build new. In order to have the state as a partner and receive state funds, the district has to follow the state guidelines.

Cridersville School was built in 1939, with additions in 1954 and 1958. Cenntennial was built in 1948 and received changes in 1962 and 1990. Northridge was built in 1967. Even since the newest building, Northridge, was constructed, so much has changed as to what is needed to shape future education facilities. These needs include security, learning spaces, technology, community accessibility, sustainability, functionality, adaptive usability, flexibility, indoor environmental quality and school size.

Please be looking for a mailing to be coming home in the next few weeks. It will include answers to many of the questions you have. Again, if you have additional questions, don't hesitate to call Mr. Horner. He will be happy to speak with you.