BY SUE KIESEWETTER
Enquirer Contributor
MIDDLETOWN -- A plan that redefines what grades are in elementary and middle schools, repairs or replaces buildings and lowers class sizes in the Middletown - Monroe school district has won unanimous approval from the school board.
But the plan will have a cost: Board members Monday agreed to place a $97.4 million bond issue to pay for the five-year plan on the Feb. 2, 1999, special election ballot.
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SCHOOL PLAN
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The school plan, presented to the board three weeks ago, was prepared by Columbus consultants PARAGON Communications Inc., in cooperation with the district's Facilities Committee and Business Education Collaborative, both of which have endorsed it.
It calls for:
Smaller class sizes in the elementary buildings.
Five middle schools for grades 5-8.
Major upgrades at several buildings.
Building two elementary schools and classroom additions at four others.
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District Treasurer Edmund Pokora estimated a 5.95-mill bond issue would be necessary to raise the money. If approved, it would cost the owner of a $100,000 home an additional $187 in taxes each year.
"The major strength of this program is that it's community based," said Tom Brickey, president of the Middletown - Monroe Board of Education. "I think adding additional middle schools is exciting, not only for the academic benefits but also the extra-curricular opportunities."
After analyzing the plan with his administrative team, Superintendent Wayne Driscoll estimated it would cost $605,000 over five to seven years. That's in addition to the dollars from the bond issue, which cannot be used for day-to-day operations but can be used to build, repair and furnish schools.
The bulk of the money -- $480,000 -- would be used to hire an extra 55 teachers to reduce class size.
Much of that would be reimbursed through the state's disadvantaged pupil allotment, Mr. Driscoll said.
"These are pretty conservative figures," Mr. Driscoll said. "As the district grows, some of these costs will be offset by state dollars."
