Strongsville City Schools Recommendations on Building Utilization

How recommendations were developed O A Facilities Utilization Task Force met seven times from January to May 2014 O The Task Force was comprised of district parents, administrators and employees O The Task Force was to complete the following: O Provide a recommendation to the Board Facility Development Committee regarding elementary utilization O Involve task force members in an analysis of key data points to address short-term building utilization and to efficiently maximize building usage

What information was reviewed Source: Strongsville School District

Why is enrollment in our schools decreasing

Source: City of Strongsville

Where are students going Source: Ohio Department of Education

3,202 Source: Strongsville City Schools

The Recommendation of the Task Force: The Recommendation of the Task Force: Close Two Elementary Schools  The consolidation of building resources will improve the efficiency of the district  It will allow maximum usage of remaining elementary schools  Educational resources can be more effectively utilized  It is estimated that the closure of an elementary building will save between $250,00 and $450,000 a year

Factors reviewed by the Task Force that impacted the recommendations : O Enrollment – current and future O Building access O Safety and security O Transportation O Kinsner and Muraski will not be closed as they are newer buildings or have newer additions

Based upon the factors cited it is recommended the District close Zellers Elementary School at the end of this school year The school population south of Route 82 necessitates only 3 elementary schools It is the smallest school and students can be easily absorbed into Chapman, Muraski and Kinsner as classroom space is available in those buildings

It is also recommended the District close Drake Elementary School if there are excess elementary classrooms after the new middle school opens Drake Elementary is recommended for the following reasons:  students can absorbed by Whitney, Muraski and Surrarrer once the 6 th grade moves to the new middle school  the open school layout of Drake does not provide the best security for students  Drake has one of the highest utility costs as it is an all electric building

Additional considerations for the future recommended by the Task Force: O Commission an enrollment study after the new middle school opens to assist in determining future classroom needs O Zellers could be repurposed into administrative offices and allow the district to close 2 older buildings that are not energy efficient

Schedule of Redistricting o June 2015  Recommendation to close Zellers Elementary o June 2016  Recommendation to close Drake Elementary O August 2016  Opening of new Middle School