Residents voice concerns about elementary campus proposal

Franklin Regional parents are concerned about the district’s proposed elementary school renovation and reconstruction project that is estimated to cost from $53.7 million to $57 million.

The plan calls for an elementary campus on Sardis Road in Murrysville that includes renovating Sloan Elementary School, constructing a new building for kindergarten to second grade, and constructing an intermediate elementary school for grades 3 to 5.

Valerie Mittereder of Murrysville said many of the 280 citizens who attended last week’s town hall meeting were disappointed that the board did not address all of their questions during the lengthy meeting.

“The community as a whole is very concerned,” she said before presenting the board with a 1,100-signature petitionagainst the project.

Russ Phillips, who lives near Sloan Elementary, questioned the existing plan, which would result in a property tax increase. According to a district project fact sheet, a conservative estimate for the Sloan campus will require a tax increase of 4.5 to 5 mills, which would be phased in overfive years.

“There has also been a moderate estimate anywhere from 6 to 9 mills reported at previous meetings,” he said. He said residents repeatedly have asked for an idea of how other related costs of the project would affect property taxes.

“We have received nothing from the school board,” he said.

Board member Dennis Pavilk said the 6- to 9-mill estimate has been refined.

“The conservative estimate means we won’t go over that amount, and as we refine it, we will lower it,” he said.

David Plank of Murrysville said he believes the school board has not made a “compelling argument” for the elementary campus. He suggested that investing in technology would be a better choice.

“The feasibility study (conducted in the 2016-17 school year) pointed out the high cost of maintenance and construction of a school building. What it does not address is the relevance of structures in a 21st-century education,” he said.

Board member John Koury responded that the room-by-room feasibility study was conducted by specialized structural, mechanical and electrical engineers, not architects.

Community member Lynn Full questioned the curriculum being a factor in the reason for the elementary campus.

“We do not have the same resources in the three existing elementary buildings,” said assistant superintendent Mary Catherine Reljac, citing lack of outdoor green space and less library space at Newlonsburg and Heritage elementary schools.

The board’s goal is to have as many questions as possible answered by its next meeting on April 9, board member Larry Borland said.

The groundbreaking for the existing Sloan renovation is expected to occur in the fall. The bid process for the new intermediate building is expected to be complete in October.