Student center construction at Rolling Hills hampered by rising costs

BYESVILLE — An increase in the cost of building materials and labor is forcing the Rolling Hills Local School District to rethink design plans for a new Student Health and Activity Center.

"All of the bids submitted were higher than the estimated cost," said Rolling Hills Superintendent Scott Golec. "So, we are going to make a few adjustments and we hope to rebid the project in the near future."

The estimated cost of construction, according to the district's invitation to bid, was $5.1 million. The district received three bid proposals for the project.

"We are very optimistic that we will be able to get this project completed under budget," added Rolling Hills Treasurer Kandi Raach.

The center will be constructed adjacent to Eugene Capers Field.

"It will not just be a fieldhouse," said Golec. "There will be classrooms and other things that will be utilized by students."

The Student Health and Activity Center will be paid for with federal funds distributed through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief program.

"No district money is being used," said Golec of the construction.

Of the federal funds made available to schools, these dollars have the greatest flexibility, according to the Ohio Department of Education.

The funds can support any allowable activity under existing federal funds, such as Title I and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, expenses directly related to the pandemic or other activities that are necessary to maintain the operation of continuity of services.

In all, Ohio received $489.2 million in ESSER funds.

The district is expected to release a schematic of the Student Health and Activity Center once the adjustments are made by an architect.

The district's other construction plan at the campus south of Byesville is moving forward in "fantastic" fashion, according to Golec.

"The process is very tedious," said Golec of the design phase. "We have a core group of people on this project and they are working very hard to make it a reality."

The $43.8 million Ohio Facilities Construction Commission project calls for the current high school to be renovated with a new wing being added to house Meadowbrook Middle School students in grads sixth through eighth.

A second new structure will be attached to the high school building to house the pre-kindergarten to fifth-grade students.

In all, an estimated 1,582 students will be housed at the new complex.

"This is going to be great for all Meadowbrook students," said Golec. "It is becoming more of a reality with every meeting."

The Ohio Facilities Construction Commission will fund $21,486,605 of the project while a donation from Apex Power Group, developers of the Guernsey Power Station, will pay the balance.

"Between the financing from the state (OFCC) and the local agreement with the power plant, it basically doesn't cost the district anything," Rolling Hills Board President Dennis Dettra previously told The Daily Jeffersonian.

The consolidation is expected to ease the district's bussing issues and allow teachers to collaborate across all grades because they will be in one building.

"It will definitely improve the district in terms of education, and it will make us much more efficient," Dettra previously said.

The district will received the funds from Apex Power Group over a span of 20 years.

The $43.8 million project provides funding for the abatement or demolition of the Brook, Secrest and Byesville elementary school buildings and the current middle school located adjacent to the high school.

"We are moving forward," said an excited Golec.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Jeffersonian: Student center construction at Rolling Hills hampered by rising costs