BELLVILLE, Ohio – Clear Fork Board of Education members agree the timing is right to pursue new elementary school facilities.
In a work session Tuesday night that was open to the public, the board members considered results of a second survey by registered voters. They weighed the pros and cons of one consolidated building versus the construction of two schools.
Rockmill Financial Consulting president David Conley facilitated discussion during the meeting. He said the survey results suggest “the community wants something.”
Superintendent Janice Wyckoff reported the district received 883 surveys indicating a preference of one of the three options. Wyckoff said the response is 11.8 percent of the 7,476 mailed out to registered voters in the district. “This is considered a good response for this kind of survey,” she said.
According to the survey, 489, or 55 percent, of respondents now favor building two schools. The one-building option was favored by 40 percent of respondents. It reverses results from the first survey, possibly due to last week’s informational meetings.
Only 37 people selected a third option, building a new high school and renovating the existing high school. Board members say they will no longer consider this option due to its apparent rejection by likely voters.
In addition to surveys opting for any of the three choices, the district acknowledged receiving 50 that stated they were opposed to all the options on the survey. Board members however said they believe the time is right to move forward.
The district website states the board has “informally agreed to move forward with a facilities project for two elementary schools.” Board president Jim DeSanto said he believes both options are good but feels two schools would be better for education. Supporters claim smaller schools result in better education, he noted.
Four of the five members said they would prefer two buildings but all members said they have concerns about a building site in Bellville. The current elementary school in Bellville is next to a waste water treatment plant known for its odors and part of the school property is in a flood plain. Officially the district says they are evaluating all the sites “owned by the school district.”
Jim Klenk said he wants to see more enrollment and cost data before making a decision. He suggested building two schools could lead to “redistricting” depending on enrollment numbers.
Middle school principal Jennifer Klaus said the district should consider the educational “gaps” of students coming from two schools. Board members acknowledged her concern but feel that concern, along with concerns about layoffs and small class sizes could be handled “administratively” regardless of which option is chosen.
