10/06/2004 Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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recommendation to the board as to what the board of education will need to operate the district for an additional three years. He is looking for the facility committee to make a recommendation as to what their facility needs are. There has been very little facility improvements that have been made and it is somewhat embarrassing that for seven years the school could not have home track meets. The big ticket items are a new middle school, science labs at the high school, larger band rooms, larger quire rooms, auditorium, and soccer facility. Numerous studies have been conducted and now it is time to make recommendations to be considered. The main reason he wanted to address the commission was to discuss an auditorium. It is not reasonable to think a new auditorium is possible, the school has to look at existing facilities, renovating and additions to accomplish their goals. The middle school auditorium has been renovated but what is needed is a state of the art production center. The discussion is to leave the original high school" (located at what is now the middle school) standing, along with the old library, the cafeteria and the auditorium. They would lilce to remove the mix-mash that has been added to the building to have plenty of space to add to the auditorium. The facility will not only be available to the students in North Olmsted, but the community as well. He believes the things he mentioned are all possible within reason. However, he is only an advisor it will be up to the Board of Education. The school is loolcing at a combination operating and capital improvement bond issue for next spring or late fall. The hardest thing to do is run a levy, but the children deserve better then what they currently have. This district has a great Marching Band, Orchestra, Show Quires, and Theater Groups that the city can be proud of. However, no one can be proud of where they have to perform. There is never a good time to put a levy on the ballot, but it is what is needed and it will either pass or fail. The school would like the Cultural Activities Commission to sponsor their issue. Most cities in north east Ohio are suffering from fixed generated funds, which does not fluctuate with economy, but continuously experience cost increases i.e. text books up 15% yearly, electricity, natural gas, communications/technology, transportation, auditors fees none of which are negotiable. There are no other options then a levy unfortunately. Once drawings are completed he would lilce to return and present the plans for the commissions review. Board members comments: Mrs. Martindale voiced a concern that it would be impossible for a theater group to survive at a school theater due to the fees involved and scheduling conflicts. Dr. Stanic believes that as the auditorium would not be tied to the middle school the prices could be more affordable and scheduling any facility is always an issue. Discussion regarding the middle school possibly being given to the city to use as a senior center took place. Dr. Stanic stated that the city can be proud that there is no facility debt, but the district needs to address the upkeep of those facilities they own. Mr. Garland thanked Dr. Stanic for 'coming to speak with the commission and the commission voiced that they looked forward to seeing the plans once they are completed. IV. OLD BUSINESS: Board member Martindale updated the commission on the status of the current play being rehearsed as well as dates and times. Mrs. Martindale advised the commissioners that Dover Players would not be able to perform The Crucible as there were not enough actors. Therefore the play that they will perform is Noel Coward's "Blithe Spirit". As the play is under public domain there will be no royalty fees. The Dover Players are working for donations again instead of charging a fee. The play will be 2