ROSS TOWNSHIP — With approval already granted for more than 600 new single-family homes in Ross and Morgan townships, educators in the Ross Local Schools know growth is coming.

        The only mystery is how many children will come and when they will arrive, said Superintendent David McWilliams, who convened a Facilities Committee to devise a long-term plan for classrooms and to identify needed building improvements.

        During the past 18 months the group has toured the schools, talked with teachers and met with architects.

        “We're not seeing the student growth yet,” Mr. McWilliams said, noting that this year's enrollment is down slightly from last year. “But we are seeing programming demands on our buildings.

        “The new state graduation requirements with more science means we need labs, smaller class sizes and computer labs,” he said.

        Even with a steady or slightly declining enrollment every room in every school is being used, Mr. McWilliams said.

        To address the needs, the committee has devised two plans and prepared a video showing conditions.

        Four community meetings will be held between Nov. 2 and Jan. 9 to show the videos, explain the proposals and get input before a final plan is adopted.

        Each plan is estimated to cost about $34 million.

        Both plans call for construction of a new high school and conversion of the high school into a middle school for grades 6-8. Under the first proposal the existing middle school would be remodeled as an intermediate school for fourth- and fifth-graders. Elda and Morgan elementary schools would house children in grades kindergarten through third.

        If the second plan is adopted the existing middle school will be closed and an elementary school would be built, providing the district three elementary schools, each serving children in kindergarten through grade 5.

        Even if a plan were to be decided upon by next spring, construction would be several years away, Mr. McWilliams said. School officials estimate the district would be eligible for funds from the Ohio School Facilities Commission in seven to eight years.

        Without the state's help, Ross Schools could not fund either plan because by law it cannot ask voters to approve a bond issue beyond its debt limit. Ross' debt limit is $21 million to $22 million, Mr. McWilliams said.

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