Perry Local Schools offering guided tours to 3 new elementary buildings under construction
PERRY TWP. ‒ Residents are invited to get a look inside the ongoing construction of the new Perry Local elementary schools during guided tours this month.
Superintendent Nate Stutz said excitement is growing for the completion, and the district wants to give community members a chance to see how the three new buildings are taking shape.
"We hear frequently from community members the joy and excitement over seeing the buildings go up," he said. "This is one of the opportunities where we can provide people - albeit a small sneak peek - what it will be (when completed)."
The first tour is slated for Saturday at the new Watson Elementary School on the former Doctors Hospital site, across from the existing school at 515 Marion Ave NW. From 10 a.m. to noon, visitors enjoy a guided tour.
Tours are planned for 1 to 3 p.m. Oct. 15 at Southway and 1 to 3 p.m. Oct. 21 at Lohr at 5300 Richville Drive SW.
They are active construction sites so guests should dress appropriately, including closed-toe shoes.
Perry Local Schools' building project progress
Mark Randulic, the district's buildings, ground and custodial services supervisor, said the project is on track for completion in the spring.
"It's been pretty exciting watching them go up," Randulic said. "As we walk through them you can see they are actually beginning to take shape."
Visitors will be able to get a good idea of the layout, including the gymnasium, cafeteria, common space and classrooms, he said.
Crews broke ground on the three buildings last September. Officials hope to have them under roof in the next few weeks.
The nicer weather has helped keep construction moving, Randulic added.
At the start of the project, there were many hurdles to get materials but the industry has normalized, he said.
"Everything else is falling right into place," Randulic said.
How is Perry Local funding the schools?
The estimated cost of the project is around $72 million. The Ohio Facilities Construction Commission has committed to funding 62% but it is unclear when the district will receive the state's portion.
In 2020, voters approved a combined bond issue and permanent improvement levy to fund the district's share and fund state-funded portions until the money is received from the state. The 3.9-mill bond issue will generate $58.3 million over its 35-year term. The 1.5-mill improvement levy will generate $18.9 million during the life of the bond issue.
The new schools will house kindergarten through fifth grade and include a two-story academic wing, administration offices, a media center, gym, stage and a cafeteria/kitchen.
Each footprint will be the same: About 67,000 square feet to accommodate about 550 students.
The existing Whipple, Watson and Lohr buildings, as well as Genoa Elementary School, will be razed. T.C. Knapp will be converted into an early learning center for the district’s growing preschool program.
The buildings are expected to be ready for occupancy around June with students starting the 2024-25 school year in the new locations.
In the meantime, district officials are working to realign the elementary boundaries to accommodate the reduction from five elementary schools to three.
Stutz said they hope to communicate with parents as soon as they can where their students will attend school next year.
"People have a strong attachment to their home elementary schools, which we understand and appreciate, but we have to look at how to operate most efficiently regarding transportation and routes," he said.
Reach Amy at 330-775-1135 or amy.knapp@indeonline.com.
This article originally appeared on The Independent: Perry Local to give community first look at new elementary schools
