Woodmore Board of Education defers financial assistance help

6/18/2008

Woodmore Local Board of Education members have voted to defer the Ohio School Facilities Commission's offer of financial assistance with a new school building until November, which means voters likely won't see a bond issue request until 2009.

"We would have to rush through the whole process in order for us to get on the ballot in November," said Anne Arnold, district treasurer. "The deferral gives us a little more time. We're not declining their offer."

Woodmore was rated fourth on the commission's list of schools with 'exceptional needs.'

The basement of Woodmore Elementary, where second-grade classrooms are located, floods every time there is heavy rain.

"We've had flooding for years, but this year was exceptional, and the flooding became much more of a problem," said Jane Garling, Woodmore superintendent.

"As the structure breaks down, the flooding gets worse," said Mrs. Garling.

Funding from the commission means that the district would have to pay for part of the renovations with the help of a bond issue.

Woodmore's agreement with the commission means that the district is responsible for paying for part of the renovations. The facilities commission would cover 29 percent of the total cost, with Woodmore responsible for 71 percent of the cost.

Figures for the cost of the building were unavailable. Woodmore officials are considering construction of a new pre-kindergarten through eighth-grade building. Currently, students are housed in two buildings: Woodmore Elementary and Woodmore High School, which encompasses grades 7 through 12.