By Sue Kiesewetter
Enquirer contributor

NORWOOD - Every building in the Norwood Schools would be renovated or replaced within four years under a $54.9 million project voters likely will be asked to help pay for in February.

The Norwood Board of Education has called a special meeting for 7 p.m. Thursday, to put an 8.93-mill bond issue on the Feb. 4 ballot. The bond issue would be large enough to pay for both Norwood's share of the project and the 37 percent the state is expected to pay in 2008-through the Expedited Local Partnership Program, said Treasurer Cary Furniss.

If the bond issue is approved, Norwood would collect only 5.73 mills, which would cost the owner of a $100,000 house about $172 annually, Mr. Furniss said.

"We're not going to charge (property owners) what the state's share is,'' Mr. Furniss said. "But by law we have to put the full amount on the ballot.''

The master plan approved earlier this year by both the board and the Ohio School Facilities Commission calls for razing Allison and Williams elementary schools; renovating and reclaiming North Norwood, which is now leased; closing the Sharpsburg campus; renovating Norwood High; and rebuilding a portion of the middle school.

When completed, there would be an elementary school in each of the city's four quadrants.

"It's time that we bring our school buildings into the 21st century,'' said Susan Gesselbracht, board president. "They did a wonderful job of serving our children in the 20th century. They're beautiful buildings, but I'm not sure the interiors are serving our kids.''

The average age of Norwood's schools is 85 years, said superintendent Barbara Rider.

The newest building, Norwood High School, opened in 1972 with Ms. Gesselbracht's father, Albert Gesselbracht, as its principal.

The oldest building, Allison, was built in 1896.It is slated for razing. A smaller school would replace Allison on the property.

"We'll work with the community and neighborhood to replace the historic features in the two buildings we'll be replacing,'' Ms. Rider said.

Regardless of what happens with the vote, the sixth grade will return to Norwood's elementary school next August, Ms. Rider said.

There is room in the elementary schools due to declining enrollment, and it is something residents asked for during community meetings over the past year, Ms. Rider said.

Enrollment is 2,852 students, down 55 pupils from a year ago. In the past six years enrollment has dropped 13.6 percent, or 450 students, Ms. Rider said.

"Even though this plan was designed for a smaller enrollment, there is still room for growth," Ms. Rider said.