OXFORD — Talawanda educators will decide next month which of three facilities plans to pursue over the next 10 years.

        All three call for closing Stewart Elementary School, and would be in two phases.

        The cost of the projects ranges from $42.2 million to $47.9 million, and all call for construction of at least one new building and additions to Maude Marshall Elementary School.

        The plans were narrowed from seven that had been proposed by the Ohio School Facilities Commission or Talawanda's facilities advisory committee.

        Superintendent Phil Cagwin said Talawanda would be eligible to receive about 24 percent of the cost of any OSFC-approved plan in 2008. That's why each of the plans the board is asking the community to consider is being planned for two phases — the first to begin after voters approve an initial bond issue, the second in 2009 or later.

        “Doing it in phases spreads out the financial burden on taxpayers. We're not asking for a large increase all at once. It might be more palatable to voters,” said Bob Sherman, vice president of the Talawanda Board of Education.

        The school board has sent out brochures outlining each option and asking for community comment. Surveys can be returned to any school building or board of fices. They also can be found on the district's Web site: www.talawanda.net. Surveys are due Dec. 19.

        A bond issue to fund the project, ranging from 2.76 mills to 4.85 mills, will be considered by the board in January.

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