QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:

1.  Are all households within the NELSD contributing to taxes collected?  (i.e. 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.  The State’s offer of 41% funding from the Tobacco Settlement money, which is quickly being expended for other government usage, expires August 24^th (1 year from the date we were first approved).   If we do not go on the ballot August 3^rd, we will not have any other opportunities to receive this funding.   That is why we are saying that we have only this one “out” (three strikes, you’re out) remaining.   After that, we become a lapsed district and there is no guarantee of the state funds. 

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 the best opportunity to bid competitively.  Even companies from outside the county may hire local workers for the project.

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.   However, since we no longer could ask for an income tax, which would have paid for any locally funded initiatives, we will not be able to provide any additional auditoriums or practice gyms with the new plan.  The buildings will be built such that auditoriums or practice gyms could be added on at a later time if there is a need and funds are available.

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 high schools or 1 high school?  The district needs to know for certain.   Response:  There will be two high schools.  Both schools will be situated on the same properties that they are currently located.  Kenton Ridge High School will no longer be torn down, but renovated, and redesigned to be brought up to today’s high standards of education as a 5 – 8 building.  A new high school wing will be added to KR for 9 – 12 students.

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?   Response:  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 school 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 athletic facilities.  Athletic facilities are not co-funded and 100% of the cost would be local money.  These additional needs would increase the total cost of the project.

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 612, the number of school districts in the state.  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.  It is possible with today’s economic changes, we would qualify for even less due to other districts falling even more behind economically and qualifying for more. 

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, filing cabinets, storage cabinets, the wiring and infrastructure for technology, 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:   There will be no LFI’s with the new plan.  The district was 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 area).  These items can only be offered if they are paid for by the community through an income tax levy.  There will be NO income tax on the ballot in August.  Should the community decide we want these extra additions in the future, our architect can design the buildings so they can be added at a later date.  The existing auditorium at KR is a required LFI and well be upgraded.

12.  What is the cost to the homeowner?  I have heard upwards of $5.00 per day cost.
Response:    The millage for the levy is 7.876, it would cost the owner of a $100,000 home $241.20 a year.   For Senior Citizens or Disabled Citizens using the $25,000 Homestead Exemption, the cost would be $180/90 a year.  Please review our website Homeowner Chart to check your individual costs based on the value of your home.  You can give your children and grandchildren the best education and opportunities for a successful and brighter tomorrow for not much more than it would cost you to buy a Happy Meal at McDonald’s that week!  It also will raise the value of your homes, which is one of your most expensive investments.  New homebuyers and businesses choose schools that offer the most advantages for their children.  The current condition of our buildings will cause people to look elsewhere and depreciate the value of our homes. 

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.  However, if we are able to take advantage of any stimulus funds, prevailing wage would be required for that portion of the project.

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 36 months.

16.  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 School District has had a working relationship with MKC Architects for many years.  They have been the architects on some previous projects and we have found them to be very professional and responsive to our needs.

17.  In the past many 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.

18.  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. 

19.  What will happen to the current site at Rolling Hills Elementary?
Response:  The Board will have to determine what to do with this building.   They have several choices.  The building can be sold or used for other purposes.  Some other possibilities could be the Board Office, Transportation, Maintenance, Storage, Community Library, etc.  In addition, the building could be demolished and the land used for green space. 

20.  Are you concerned about the 5^th graders going into the middle schools?   Response:  No.  In fact, we feel that this better distributes equally all grade levels.  Sixth graders will no longer feel “out of place” because they will still have their 5^th grade friends.  The number of grades in each building will be the same for every building.  The design of the buildings containing the middle and high school wings will be created so that it will be more like two buildings in one.  Both wings will be kept completely separated from one another.  We will invite the community when we are in the design process to receive your design ideas and input.

21.  Why are you no longer tearing down Kenton Ridge and rebuilding the school?
Response:  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.  However, due to community input not to tear down Kenton Ridge High School because it is the newest of our buildings, we have decided to renovate and re-design Kenton Ridge High School to bring it up to today’s safety and technology standards.

22.  Why keep the elementary in the Village of South Vienna?  Response:  Once again, based on all our community input, and concerns that this would have a negative impact on the village, we will rebuild South Vienna Elementary at the current South Vienna Elementary location.  The building will hold Pre-K through 4^th Grade. 

23.  What will happen to Northridge Elementary School?  The same thing will happen at the current Northridge Elementary Location as in the Village of South Vienna.  A new elementary building will be designed and constructed to house their students Pre-K through 4^th at the current Northridge Elementary site and will be large enough to accommodate most the students from Rolling Hills Elementary.   This state-of-the-art building will be something everyone in the community can be proud of!

26.  What will happen to the South Vienna Middle School?   Response:  South Vienna Middle School will house students 5^th through 8^th grade and be located next to the new Northeastern High School Academic Wing, which will house students 9^th through 12^th.   This building will be designed so that the middle school and the high school are completely separate yet allowing children qualifying for advanced placement work to be located right there on campus.  This new state-of-the-art building will be located at the current Northeastern High School property and will share some common areas.

27.  What will happen to the Northridge Middle School?   Response:  Northridge Middle School will house students 5^th through 8^th grade and be located next to the new modified and redesigned Kenton Ridge High School Academic Wing, which will house students 9^th through 12^th.   This new state-of-the-art building will be designed so that the middle school and the high school are completely separate yet allowing middle school children qualifying for advanced placement work to be located right there on campus.  This new building will be located at the current Kenton Ridge High School property.  The middle school and high will share some common areas.

28.  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.

29.  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.

30.  What is the total cost of the project?
Response:  The current cost estimate provided by the OSFC for our proposed Master Plan is $99,329,589 a total of which %58,934,558 is the local share and $40,395,031 will come from OSFC.

31.  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 at least 5 members who are retired.

32. 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 264 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.

33.  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 to 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.

34.  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.  As an example, we recently received Title One money for Professional Development that in turn provided new SmartBoards.  Unfortunately, at this time, we are limited to how many we have working due to our poor electrical systems that are decades old.  SmartBoards are also designed to connect to virtual learning from across the U.S. and other countries introducing our children to new cultures and new surroundings.   Think of the wonderful experience your child could have talking to children in another country or visiting museums live in other parts of the world.  We are unable to use these boards to their fullest capabilities due to our technology limitations.  We could and will lose many good teachers to districts that can provide up-to-date teaching methods. 

35.  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.

36.  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.

37.  Will the teaching improve?
Response:  New educational facilities will continue to allow our teachers to provide 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.   Our science and technology labs are worn and dated.  These are where the jobs of tomorrow will be and it is up to us to give our children all the advantages before heading into competitive college placements or the global job market.

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

39.  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 Counsel to design informational brochures, fliers, posters, etc.  To promote our levy in a positive manner, and within our financial restraints.  However, we need our community support and help to share in this exciting adventure.  We need everyone to vote on August 3^rd.  Without you, this will not be possible and our community and students will fall behind. 

40. 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 LEED certification that the district's design will be required to meet.

41.  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.

42.  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.

43.  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.

44.  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.

45.  What will happen to the Pee Wee Football and Little League baseball facilities at the elementary schools?
Response: We will make every attempt to retain these facilities.  However, if the land is needed to build new buildings so that we do not have to purchase new land we may need to use the property.

46.  How do you know that 41% = 40 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.

47.  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.

48.  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, 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.

49.  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.

50.  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.  IMPORTANT:  We need you to be involved.  Contact our board office at 937.325.7615

51.  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.