1.  Are all households within the NELSD contributing to taxes collected?  (ie. Apartment dwellers, renters)
Response:  Property taxes are assessed to the owners of property.  However, most landlords (apartment or rental property) include funding in the rent to cover taxes and will raise rent when taxes increase.  So essentially even renters contribute to property taxes.

2.  Why take on such a huge project during hard economic times?  Area employment is not predictable.
Response:  The district does not determine when our district is eligible for funding; the Ohio School Facilities Commission determines that.  Our district has been notified by the OSFC that if our plan is approved in July we will be eligible to go on the November 2009 ballot to seek voter approval of our share of the funding.  There is an uncertainty as to how much longer the Tobacco Settlement money will be available to help fund new school construction.  This may be our only opportunity.   Also, a building project could be a great "economic stimulus package" for our local area (county and district).  It would create many new jobs and hopefully area unemployed would find new jobs.  Contractors who may come from out of the area would be spending money and supporting local businesses during construction.  Many companies are looking for work for their employees during this economic downturn, so we should be able to receive some very competitive bids from construction companies, and get more "bang for our buck."  If we delay construction of new facilities, construction costs will only increase with inflation over the years and if state funding is no longer available, local residents will have to pay for 100% of the construction costs, rather than only 59%.

3.  There is a concern for work contracted from companies or workers from outside of Clark County.
Response:  Since money being used for construction is public money, all projects must be "bid out."  The district is required by law to accept the lowest, most responsible bid.  Our architectural firm will be willing to work with local companies that may be interested in submitting a bid, to provide them with information needed to allow them an opportunity to bid competitively. 

4.  Will money be allowed through the OSFC for our music/band/ orchestra rooms?
Response:  Yes, funding is shared for classrooms dedicated to band and music.

5.  Will you hire or train new staff to stay current with technology and security issues?
Response:  Professional development and training will be provided for our staff to be knowledgeable of new technology and security features within the new buildings.  Professional development is an on-going process in our district.

6.  Will there be a library / media center in the new schools?
Response:  Yes, new "state of the art" media centers will be provided in each of the new buildings.  These areas are included in the OSFC design manual and are co-funded.

7.  Is there confirmation of 2 campuses, or 1 campus?  The district needs to know for certain.
Response:  The Board of Education voted on April 24, 2008 to support a resolution to pursue the construction of two campuses.  Each campus would consist of an elementary school, a middle school and a high school.

8.  Wouldn't it be more cost effective to have only one high school?  We are the only district in the area with 2 high schools.  Couldn't you offer more varied classes with only one high school?
One high school may be a little more cost effective, but there is not a significant difference in the cost to build or operate one building versus two.  The size of the schools is determined by square footage per pupil, so essentially if you have one school or two, you would be heating and cooling the same square footage.  We would be educating the same number of students so we require the same number of teachers.  We currently offer a wide variety and levels of courses in our high schools and will be working to implement new STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) courses over the next few years. 
   The decision by the Board to retain two high schools was also made on the basis of input from the community during meetings and from surveys.  The majority of responding residents preferred to retain the smaller high schools where children receive more individual attention and will have twice the opportunities for participation on athletic teams and student leadership roles. 
   The Board also considered that we have 118 square miles in our district.  The next largest area that a Clark County district encompasses is Southeastern Local with 90.  Because of the large area that our district covers, building one high school would require that the district purchase acreage somewhere other than around the existing property we own.  This would be an additional expense.  We would not be able to use our existing athletic facilities and would have to build new facilities.  Athletic facilities are not co-funded and 100% of the cost would be local money.

9.  Why do we only get 41% funding from the state when Springfield City received close to 80% ?
Response:  The percentage of state funding is determined by the wealth of the district. Each district is rated based on wealth from 1 to 614.  Low wealth districts received greater funding than higher wealth districts.  OSFC funded projects began with the lowest wealth districts first.  The percentage of state funding is reduced the greater your Equity ranking.  Northeastern Local is ranked 357.  School districts with ranking numbers lower than 357 receive more state funding.  School districts with ranking numbers greater than 357 receive less state funding.

10.  Approximately how much do you project it will cost to equip and maintain new buildings?
Response:  The cost of equipping new facilities is included in the overall cost of the construction project.  There is money in the budget for desks, file cabinets, storage cabinets, LCD projectors, SmartBoards, etc.  These items are "co-funded" by state dollars.  The cost to maintain the buildings will initially be lower than for existing buildings because equipment will be new.  There will be an increase in utility costs because all new construction is required to have air conditioning.  Our current middle and elementary buildings are not air-conditioned.   Also, new construction is required to have an increase in air exchange from what our current buildings are able to provide.

11.  What LFI's (Locally Funded Initiatives) have the district chosen?
Response:  The district is considering auditoriums in the high schools, an additional practice gym in the high schools, and Terrazzo flooring (Poured concrete) in high traffic areas (hallways, main entrances, cafeteria areas).

12.  Is $1.80 a day for a $200,000 home the absolute cost?  I have heard upwards of $5.00 per day cost.
Response:  This is our best estimate with the cost figures that we have today and current interest rates.  If the cost of materials increases significantly within the next year or interest rates rise, the costs could increase.  Of course the reverse is also true.  If construction costs decrease or interest rates decrease cost could go down.

13.  What if any funds are possibly available through the Federal Stimulus Plan?
Response:  We do not know if any are or will be available to our district to reduce the local share of the construction costs, but the district has requested to be considered for some of the Stimulus money in three different ways.  First the Treasurer and Superintendent wrote a letter to the Governor directly and forwarded copies of the letter to our state legislators as well as to the Presidents of our professional organizations.  We have also applied online at Recovery.Ohio.gov for consideration of stimulus funds and the district also shared information with the Clark County Chamber of Commerce that they included in a County application for stimulus funds.

14.  Is there any stipulation requiring prevailing wage / unionized labor?
Response:  No, the OSFC does not have any stipulations requiring such.

15.  How long will it take to build these new buildings once the Bond Issue is passed?
Response:  From Community engagement, schematic design, design development, OSFC review, construction documents designed, bids and award, construction to move-in we expect the process to take approximately 30 months

16.  With all three schools being on the same campus, how will you handle the traffic?
Response: We will be working with land owners to purchase land adjacent to our existing property where our current high schools are located.  This will allow us access to two roads for entrances and exits at both locations.  We will also be working with our architects to design a layout that will address traffic congestion.  Also, we will most likely stagger starting times to reduce the amount of traffic at any one time.

17.  With building consolidation, what is the chance of staff reduction?
Response:  There could be some reduction in staffing depending upon the enrollment at various grade levels.  We will have to wait until construction is close to completion and  then evaluate our staffing levels and make necessary adjustments.  We would hope that any reduction in staffing could be accomplished through attrition.  We evaluate our staffing levels on an on-going basis.

18.  Is there enough land available?  What is the cost?
Response:  There is not enough land available for three buildings at either of the existing high school areas.  The district will need to acquire additional acreage at both locations. We have made initial contacts with the land owners of adjacent properties, but have not begun negotiations on a purchase price.

19.  Why not choose a local Architectural firm if we are trying to promote local businesses?
Response:  There are not any local Architectural firms that specialize in school construction.  The Northeastern Local Schools have had a working relationship with MKC Architects for many years.  They have been the architects on previous projects and we have found them to be very professional and responsive to our needs.

20.  In the past some of our schools have had issues with flat leaky roofs.  Will these problems be addressed in the new building designs?
Response:  Yes, the Board and the Building Advisory Committee have discussed the desire for pitched roofs.  Pitched roofs used to be an LFI (Locally Funded Initiative) but recently the OSFC has allowed for pitched roofs to be part of the construction design.

21.  Will these new buildings be more energy efficient?
Response:  Yes, they will need to meet more stringent energy guidelines than current buildings.    All new construction needs to incorporate components of LEED design to meet "green" initiatives.

Questions and Answers from the March 23rd Community Meeting

1.  Why is the replacement cost higher for Northeastern than Kenton Ridge?  Doesn't Kenton Ridge serve more students?
Response:  The figures currently supplied by the Ohio School Facilities Commission are based upon the existing square footage of our buildings for renovation purposes and NE does have more square footage.  The replacement costs are based upon the number of current students in the district and was essentially divided by 2 since we will have 2 high schools.  Once we supply the OSFC with the actual number of students who will be attending each high school, the square footage allotted to each building and the costs associated with it will change proportionately.

2.  What will happen to the current sites of schools like Northridge Elementary and Middle School, South Vienna Elementary and Middle School and Rolling Hills?
Response:  The Board will have to determine what to do with buildings that are taken "out of service."  They have several choices.  The buildings can be sold and used for other purposes, they can be used by the district for purposes other than educating students (Board Office, Transportation, Maintenance, etc.), or they can be demolished and the land sold or used by the district.

3.  Couldn't we build 2 state of the art high schools for considerably less than our $78 million and get along using our other buildings wisely?
Response:  Yes, two high schools could be built for less than the district's $78 million portion of the Master Plan.  However, the OSFC has evaluated all of our facilities and has determined that all of the buildings exceed the 2/3 rule to replace rather than renovate.    Our current facilities need considerable updating and safety improvements to meet today's standards, and in their current condition will not be able to provide our students with the same opportunities that students in other districts have with updated facilities.

4.  Have you considered the impact on the Village of South Vienna?  The school is the center of the community.  Removing the school will tear down the community (like Plattsburg, Catawba, New Moorefield).  By building in or near South Vienna you could build up and rejuvenate a community.
Response: The Board considered many options when deciding upon the Master Plan.  Location being one of the factors considered.   Having all three grade levels of schools (ES, MS, HS) on one campus was decided as the best educational decision.  The OSFC does not co-fund athletic facilities.  By using the existing site of the high schools, the district is able to utilize the existing athletic facilities and will not have to ask the voters to "foot the bill" to replace all athletic facilities with local money.  The district already owns some acreage around the existing HS property and will therefore have to purchase a smaller number of acres to accommodate the campus complex.

5.  How will this be a "stimulus" package for South Vienna?
Response:  The construction of new facilities may not have a direct impact upon the Village itself, but could possibly provide jobs for unemployed residents in the district, or contractors who may reside in the district.  Additional revenue may be generated as there is an increase in basic needs of workers while construction takes place in the area.

6.  Have the demo costs been thoroughly investigated?
Response:  Demolition costs are shared by the OSFC and the district.  These costs are figured into the cost analysis supplied by the Ohio School Facilities Commission.

7.  Will any changes to the "plan" be voted on?
Response:  The Board of Education would need to vote on any changes to the Master Plan before it is approved by the OSFC.  Once the OSFC approves the Master Plan, it cannot be changed without approval from both our local Board of Education and the OSFC's Board.

8.  What is the total cost of the project?
Response:  The current cost estimate provided by the OSFC for our proposed Master Plan is $108,347,758.48.  We are also proposing LFI's (Locally funded initiatives) of an additional $14,112,745.00.  This would be a total of $122,460,503.48

   The OSFC will be providing the district with updated construction costs in the near future, so these estimates may go up or down depending upon construction costs at the time.

9.  How do you propose to pay 59% of your share?
Response:  The local share of the project will need to have voter approval of either a Bond Issue, an Income Tax, or a combination of the two.  The Board of Education will be making that decision in the near future as which to place on the November 2009 ballot.

10.  Why are no retirees on the Building Advisory Committee?
Response:  There are several retirees on the committee.  Out of the 42 members of the committee, there are 5 members who are retired.

11.  What cost cutting projects are you going to put in effect to reduce costs?
Response:  The district has always tried to be fiscally efficient with the taxpayer's money.  We have always been very conservative in our hiring and continue to evaluate our personnel needs every year, and make adjustments where needed.  We try to repair rather than replace equipment when it makes sense to do so.  Several years ago we implemented HB 64 procedures, which allowed us to improve on energy conservation within our buildings.   We have tried to stretch the number of years between textbook adoptions to reduce expenditures.  We purchased over $300,000 worth of classroom furniture through auctions for less than $12,000.  The Northeastern Local Schools "cost per Pupil" expenditures are below both the state average and the county average.

12.  Why were our current buildings allowed to get in bad shape?
Response:  The buildings have not been allowed to get in bad shape, they just have significant needs that the OSFC has identified as necessary to update and repair tto meet the requirements of a 21st century education.   The buildings are at an age when many things need to be replaced.  Roofs, boilers, kitchen equipment, plumbing, electrical updates, etc. are beginning to need replaced.  We have repaired these items for many years, and it is now becoming necessary to replace them or make major repairs.  The OSFC will provide 41% of the cost to replace our buildings now, or the local taxpayers can pay for 100% of the costs to make major repairs to old buildings that will continue to have issues and 100% of the cost to replace these buildings when they can no longer be repaired.

13.  Since when does a building effect education?
Response:  The teacher in the classroom makes the most impact upon a student's education.  However, what the teacher is able to do and the resources available for the educational process, can have a dramatic effect upon learning.   There are many reports that show a direct correlation between lighting and academic achievement as well as an improvement in discipline as building quality improved.

14.  Why 2 campuses?
Response:  The Board discussed and evaluated close to 18 different plans.  These plans were shared and discussed at several community meetings.  Surveys were included in the district's Communicator as well as on our web site.  Using the information received from the community meetings, the survey results, the size of our district (118 sq. miles) and other information gathered by the Board, they decided that 2 campuses best meet the needs of our district. 

15.  Are we going to try to get grants for green technology?
Response:  If anyone knows of grants available, let us know and we will apply if appropriate.

16.  If this school plan passes will the schools require service hours for students to give back to the community and to graduate?
Response:  The Board has discussed this idea in the past and has not made it a requirement for graduation.  The Governor's recent proposal had a community service requirement as a requirement for graduation.  We will not know until after the Legislators approve the final budget and the Ohio Department of Education determines if this will be a requirement.

17.  Will the teaching improve?
Response:  We believe that we have excellent teachers who are providing an excellent education for the students in our district.  The district received the rating of "Excellent" from the Ohio Department of Education on our most recent Local Report Card.  New educational facilities will continue to allow our teachers to provide these excellent educational opportunities to our students to meet the needs of a 21st century education.  New facilities will allow for greater access to use of technology for the purpose of instruction.  Our current facilities have limited access to technology due to the electrical service available to the buildings and outlets in the classrooms.

18.  Will the arts improve?
Response:  The new facilities will have areas of the building specifically designed and dedicated to the performing and visual arts.

19.  Is there going to be a PR firm or any graphically pleasing attempts to help pass this levy?
Response:  The district's public relations coordinator will be working with our Architectural firm as well as with professionals from our Bond Council to design informational brochures, fliers, posters, etc.  to promote our levy in a positive manner, and within our financial restraints.

20.  How green and cost efficient will the new buildings be?
Response:  The new facilities will need to meet the requirements set forth in the Ohio School Facility Commission's design manual.  The design manual incorporates LEAD certification that the district's design will be required to meet.

21.  What kind of HVAC systems will be installed?
Response:  The HVAC will be designed by the Architect, in conjunction with the engineers, using the requirements from the Ohio School Facilities design manual.

22.  Retired landowners do not have the opportunity to earn more money, so why is the burden totally on the homeowner?
Response:  Currently the only way to fund the construction of public schools is through either a Bond Issue, Permanent Improvement Levy or an Income Tax.  The Board is working with Bond Council to decide whether to place a Bond Issue, Income Tax Levy or a combination of the two on the ballot.  We would encourage senior citizens and those who are disabled to apply for the Homestead Exemption available on their property tax.

23.  If the old buildings were not built correctly, what makes you think a new building would be?
Response:  The Ohio School Facilities Commission sets forth the requirements for the design of the new facilities.  There is considerable oversight by the OSFC to be sure that the buildings are being built to their specifications.  The Architectural firm hired by the district will also help oversee the construction process.  There is also a Construction Manager hired through the OSFC to oversee the project.

24.  Why do you not let people that attend meetings ask questions or express their opinions?
Response:  The district has held meetings in all of the buildings over the past two years for community input on the OSFC project.  The most recent community meetings were held to present information to the community concerning where the district was in the process.  We did allow community members who attended the meetings an opportunity to submit, in writing, any questions that they may have had. At the end of the presentations we tried to respond to those questions. 

25.  How many farmers and /or retirees plan to sell their property to get their taxes back?
Response:  We have no way of knowing the answer to this question.

26.  What will happen to the Pee Wee Football and Little League baseball facilities at the elementary schools?
Response:  After construction of the new buildings is complete, the Board will need to determine what to do with the existing property.   The Board will work with the community organizations concerning the athletic fields. 

27.  How do you know that 41% = 44 Million when you don't even have the new buildings designed yet?
Response:  The cost estimates are provided by the Ohio School Facilities Commission.  They are determined by the current construction costs per square foot, multiplied by the number of square feet allotted per building.  The building square footage is determined by the projected student enrollment.

28.  Will the NELSD be able to get some of the stimulus money from the federal government?
Response:  The district has applied through three different avenues to be considered for some of the stimulus money.  We have written letters directly to the Governor's office and sent copies to various legislators and administrators of our professional organizations.  We applied directly on the Ohio Recovery web site, and we also provided information to the Springfield Chamber of Commerce to be included in their application for the county.

29.  I support the kids, what I do not support is the over inflated salaries of administrators and treasurers.
Response:  The salaries of the administrators and treasurer in the Northeastern Local Schools are comparable to those of other administrators in the county and for districts of comparable size and similar characteristics around the state.

30.  How many students will be on each campus?
Response:  There will be approximately 1600 on the Northeastern campus and approximately 2000 on the Kenton Ridge campus.

31.  Will both campuses be built alike?
Response:  There will be similarities in both campuses, but due to the different size of the buildings there may be some design elements that are particular to one building or the other.  The layout of the buildings will be different based upon the "footprint" of the land available.

32.  Will there be money to buy technology and pay the staff it takes to support the additional technology.
Response:  There is money in the project budget to pay for the hardwiring for new technology and for technology such as security cameras, LCD projectors, etc.  There is not money in the budget for new computers, SmartBoards and such.  Our current staffing level should be sufficient to support the technology within the new buildings.

33.  Once the new buildings are completed, how will we finance and keep our new technology updated?
Response:  Some of the money to continually update and replace technology will come from the Permanent Improvement funds.  The state may at times provide some funding through technology grants, but this is not money on which we can count.

34.  Where will the locations of the two campuses be?
Response:  The current plan calls for one campus to be built on and near Northeastern High School and the second campus on and near the current Kenton Ridge location.

35.  How much of the LFI's are devoted to bringing our academic areas above the minimums that would be paid for by the OSFC?
Response:  The LFI's proposed for the project are for an auditorium at each high school, an additional practice gymnasium at each high school, additional sq. footage in the competition gymnasiums, terrazzo flooring in high traffic areas (main hallways), and wood flooring in the middle school gymnasiums. 

36.  What are the considerations for design concepts?
Response:  The architects will present designs based upon conversations and input that the design team receives from school personnel (Board members, administrators, teachers, support staff, students) and community members.

37.  Is an increase or decrease in enrollment a consideration?
Response:  Yes.  The OSFC has already had a firm complete an enrollment projection for the district.  They project the enrollment for the district over the next ten years.  They take into consideration: live birth data, historical enrollment, community school enrollment, open enrollment, housing information, building permits, etc.