July 23, 1999
Schools ask citizen input on proposals for buildings
By Cathy Willoughby
Staff Writer
Inquiring minds -- in this instance those of Tiffin City school officials -- want to know.
They want to know the opinions of district residents on proposals that have been made to better house the districts students.
Citizen input is being sought on the district's building feasibility study.
In an attempt to generate dialogue about the study and the alternatives it proposes, community leaders have had their opinions solicited by administrators and board members during luncheons. They began at the end of June and will continue through the first week in August.
"We are here only to gather your opinions,'' Superintendent Denise Callihan said. She was addressing a group this week that had gathered to offer thoughts on one of the three alternatives given by Conrath and Trout Associates LTD. of Westerville after conducting a study of the district's facilities earlier in the year.
Those present were asked to answer these questions:
- What community changes do you foresee taking place in Tiffin in the next 10 years; and
- How might Tiffin City School facilities impact this future.
There were followed by questions and comments regarding the results of the feasibility study.
They were asked to complete a form, detailing which of the three alternatives they would approve.
Alternative one involved converting the existing high school to a 6-8 building, building a new high school and refurbishing the elementary schools.
Alternative two was the same as the first, plus initiating a study of K- 4 and 5-8 organization of the schools.
The third alternative was to expand and renovate the current high school, build a new middle school for grades 5-8 and also refurbish the elementary schools.
Discussion began with an analysis of the projected growth in population. Although the study projected a small percentage of growth, those attending felt that an increase in available housing could fuel a population increase. They also pointed out that there are families that have moved to Findlay and Fremont and work in Tiffin, as well as families that live in Tiffin who work outside of the area.
When examining the feasibility study's three options, it was noted that, looking at the elementary population, the number of students is projected to increase beyond the level Columbian's building could handle when these children reach the middle-school age.
A variance suggested was to build a gymnasium in the space around the stadium, freeing up the existing gym to become additional classroom space.
The possibility of state funding was discussed. Callihan explained that the district falls 279th out of 611 school districts in the state. "We are right in the middle,'' Callihan said. "We are Ohio's new poor. We cannot generate enough revenue, yet we are not among the poorest of the districts to enable us to qualify for state aid.''
Callihan stated that the total amount received per pupil from the state is based on total student count, millage and total property values. "The state makes the assumption that you should be able to collect X amount of dollars locally. We receive $4,900 per student each year; the state average is $5,900. That is $1,000 less than the state average per year. In the tri-county area, we are one of the lowest school districts in the amount of property taxes we collect.''
"I think it is catching up to us,'' Callihan said of the need to care for the school facilities. "And we have to decide what kind of schools do we want to have.''
Costs for a new school are estimated at $24 to $25 million, which would be reflected in a bond levy before the voters of 5 to 6 mills. The group expressed concern that costs could be much larger in another 15 years and that a new building would be more cost efficient in the long run than trying to maintain the older buildings, such as the Tiffin Middle and Junior High.
Of the 11 lunches held, 60 community members of the more than 200 who were invited have attended. Administrative intern Dawn Henry has been transcribing comments made and will tabulate the results for a presentation to the board.