School board votes 5-0 to seek bond issue

The Euclid School District is ready to continue with a plan to rebuild and renovate its buildings.

Poised to capitalize on the success of Phase I of “Finish the Job,” a school and classroom facilities improvements project initiative in conjunction with the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission, the school board held a special meeting on July 25 to vote on a bond issue to fund additional building projects.

The board approved the bond issue, which totals $96.3 million, by a vote of 5-0.

“Finish the Job” will include renovation, additions and partial demolition of the existing Euclid High School and career tech classrooms.

The plan also includes an allowance to abate and demolish Central Middle School, 20701 Euclid Ave., and Forest Park Middle School, 27000 Elinore Ave., replacing them with a new middle school adjacent to the high school on 711 E. 222nd St.

Forest Park’s site will become home to a newly constructed early learning center to house expanded preschool programming and all of the district’s kindergarten classes, said Euclid School District Superintendent Charles Smialek, adding that Phase II has triple-tiered goals.

“We will exercise fiscal responsibility, improve student achievement and increase our credibility throughout the community,” he said. “Passing this resolution will trigger a (conceptual) community planning commission. We will be stewards who turn to our community (for input).”

Back in 2009, Euclid’s voters passed a bond issue that funded the construction of four new elementary schools, which opened in 2013. Operational savings equaled $925,000 in Phase I.

“Our new elementary schools are making a difference,” Smialek said. “Our K-5 enrollment has increased since they opened and our elementary learners are benefiting from the new learning environments. Continuity allows collaboration and a seamless transition. Kindergarten has rigorous standards, it isn’t ‘playtime’ anymore.

“Facilities matter. The high school is outdated, with cold and heat concerns, and that’s an issue. The environment our students walk into every day influences learning.

“The students are our ambassadors. The more we can indoctrinate this into our kids, the more fruit it will bear.”

According to the board, Phase II components also include:

• A renovated high school, with up-to-date classrooms, labs and technology

• Additional career preparation and job training, provided with help from local employers

• Additional college credit classes at Euclid High School

• Community friendly recreation, park and green space to replace Central Middle School

• Expanded physical education and improved athletic facilities

• A health and wellness center for students and residents, working with a major health system at Euclid High School

Smialek said with the unanimous board vote, the issue will be placed on the Nov. 8 ballot. If voters approve the bond, the state will contribute about $40 million to the project.

“Without the bond, the state contributes nothing and repair, updating and renovations will exceed more than $90 million with no (early learning center) expansion,” he said.

He said the $96 million bond issue spans a repayment period of 37 years.

“Our plan for increased college credit classes will also continue to save families money. In two years, $2.3 million in college tuition was saved, which also eliminated future student loan debt.

“Also in this phase, Central Middle School’s old site will become shared space use with the Metroparks, expanding access to Euclid Creek,” Smialek said. “It’s an exciting community asset.”

In addition, the bond issue will fund improvements to Euclid High School’s Sparky DiBiasio Stadium, which would put that site in the running to host high school football playoff games.

“Mentor and St. Ed’s are perennial playoff teams and they crisscross through Euclid (to get to each other’s stadiums),” Smialek said. “With the traffic and concessions, that can only further benefit the city.”

Smialek said improving the schools will ultimately make the city more attractive to families and make people want to move back and stay.

According to the board, Euclid had about 1,300 abandoned homes in 2013.

“This is a school plan, yes, but it’s also a city of Euclid plan.”