By Sue Kiesewetter
Enquirer contributor

MIDDLETOWN - The biggest question facing residents about their schools is whether Middletown High should be converted to a middle school or be renovated and continue to house grades 9-12.

The answer will shape a master building plan being developed with the assistance of architects Steed Hammond Paul Inc.

Residents can voice their opinions during a two-hour community meeting at 7 p.m. Jan. 7 at Middletown High School.

"Our process is based on the community," said Debbie Arnold, community research manager for Steed Hammond Paul. "We don't come in and say we have all the answers. We say we'll help you find the answers."

Before setting the community meeting, the firm solicited ideas through a sampling of groups and 703 completed surveys of residents in all parts of the district, including people without children in the schools.

During the hearing, community members will give their ideas on two major options. The first calls for building a new high school and then renovating the existing high school for use as a middle school for grades 6-8 or just seventh- and eighth-graders, said Todd Thackery, of Steed Hammond Paul.

The second option would upgrade and expand Middletown High and construct a new middle school.

Things to consider under either scenario are inclusion of a community performing arts center, a new gymnasium, a community recreation center and the ability to hold all high school events at one location, Mr. Thackery said.

Other questions to consider for the elementary schools include how many children new schools should be built for and how far a child should be from his assigned elementary school.

"These options were driven by the process," said Superintendent Stephen Price.

The final plan could vary from a $143 million plan presented 11 months ago. That one called for construction of seven new schools and demolition or closing of several others.

Whatever plan the district develops would have to meet Ohio School Facilities Commission guidelines and get its approval before Middletown would be eligible for 26 percent of the project's cost from the state.

Under commission guidelines, only the high school and the Amanda and Verity buildings qualify for renovations.

The cost to bring the other buildings up to standards is greater than two-thirds the cost to build new.