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Should levy pass, Crestview voters will have input

NEW WATERFORD — The public has spoken, and the Crestview school board approved the request to have two members of the community provide oversight on the new building construction project if the 2.43-mill bond issue passes on Nov. 6.

The district is seeking the bond issue to help pay for the construction of a building for pre-kindergarten through grade 12. Specifically, it would cover the district’s $5.2 million share of the $43.2 million project. The bulk of the project (88 percent) would be covered by state funding.

The district has held several informational meetings with the community to get word out about the bond issue and the project, and Superintendent Matthew Manley said it is clear from those meetings that citizens want to make sure there is oversight if the levy passes.

“They want to make sure their interest is protected,” he said.

Levy committee member Jason Decenso said during the recent board of education meeting a lot of people in the community have asked that members of the community be a part of the buildings and grounds committee if they choose to support the bond issue.

The board approved a resolution supporting that request during the meeting.

According to the resolution, if the bond issue passes the district will add to the buildings and grounds committee two volunteer community members who are qualified and have expertise in building and construction management, or have engineering or Ohio Facilities Construction Commission expertise.

“The team will be a safeguard protecting local interest pending passage of the proposed bond issue and to participate in meetings held related to the new construction,” the resolution states.

In addition, the resolution states that the architect on the project will hold meetings seeking input from the community on design and needs for the new facility.

Furthermore, it states that the buildings and grounds committee will monitor the oversight of the construction in cooperation with the construction manager, project manager and financial managers from the state and local entities, in addition to the increased protections offered under the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission.

Also, the committee will be responsible for warranty management and oversight and will report twice a year to the community.

Manley said the strategic planning committee will meet in January to lay out the guidelines for the community members, including whether they would be appointed by the superintendent, board of education or another committee.

Those two members would likely only be involved with regards to things specifically pertaining to the new facility project, and won’t be required to be involved in all other buildings and grounds issues, he added.

Levy committee member Brian Urmson also spoke during the meeting and shared his opinion on why the bond issue should be passed.

“My wife is a teacher. She takes security very seriously. She works in a school that is not secure. She sees the current issue that Crestview has. Our schools were built before the issues like Columbine and everything that has happened afterwards. This allows us to improve the security of our schools and I think that is very, very important,” he said.

He went on to say that he feels there is no other option and that the district should “jump at the opportunity” to get 88 percent of the project funded by the state.

The community was encouraged to attend the next town hall meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday in the high school cafeteria.

kwhite@mojonews.com

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