To the editor:

To the citizens of Salem and Perry Township, due to time restraints when speaking at the school board meeting in March, I was unable to complete my comments concerning the future of Reilly and Buckeye elementary schools, and would like to further explain why I am voting No on the deciding/final vote on May 2nd for the new elementary complex/school levy.

I hope the people of Salem realize that ONLY property owners will take he brunt of the tax increase that will affect them for the next 37 years. The final costs of any major building project are almost always much higher than initially quoted.

We have two well-built elementary schools that have served our community well for over 70 years. Although Reilly was built in 1926, its addition was built in 1948. The construction and interior quality of older schools are often better than newly built schools. The plumbing issues at both schools can be repaired. There are hundreds of old buildings (dated in the 1800’s) all around town that are private residences and businesses that are thriving.

What study says that the school buildings were built for a life expectancy of 60-70 years? Why is our beautiful old high school on North Lincoln –built 1918, which means it’s over 100 years old –still a vital part of our community. This building has far exceeded its life expectancy of 60-70 years. I am grateful that KSU saved this building and saw its potential and usefulness. It remains an asset to our community.

I would like to address all those people who feel we will increase our residential growth if we build a mega complex. Please consider the following.

Again, as I have said before, it is not the buildings, it’s not the teachers and staff, and it’s not the school board. In order to have residential growth we need to do two things: 1. Build new family-friendly neighborhoods with well-built homes. 2. Continue our efforts to crack down on the hundreds of slumlords who own a massive number of rundown rentals. These badly-maintained and often crime-ridden rentals have infected our once-lovely neighborhoods, which have negatively affected our town and have blocked our residential growth.

According to the Ohio Department of Education website, the following displays district enrollment over the past five years.

School Year District Enrollment

2017-2018 2,083

2018-2019 2,056

2019-2020 1,962

2020-2021 1,911

2021-2022 1,929

The enrollment trends show that our enrollment is declining. Therefore, how can we justify the need and cost for the new school complex???

Important questions all property owners should be asking…

1. When will there be an open house for the public to see the inside of Reilly and Buckeye? The public can see for themselves why the schools should be saved.

2. I would like to know specifically what security services are not being

provided at Reilly and Buckeye?

— Are each of the schools without fire sprinklers?

— Are each of the schools without entrance security?

— Don’t each of the schools have gymnasiums?

— Do they not have generators for power losses?

— How often does the power go out? Once a year, once a month?

— What internet access is lacking?

3. In the article in the Salem News on Saturday-Sunday, April 22-23, Supt. Kirkland said the feasibility study was done, and the study was clear, it would cost more money to bring the buildings up to what the state standard is in the 21st century, than it would be to build a new one. No costs were included in the study. What is the cost of bringing both schools up to the 21st century?

4. How much money has already been invested in fixing water pressure at

Reilly and Buckeye? There were no costs quoted in the paper.

— Is there running water in the bathrooms, drinking fountains, kitchen?

5. What would be the cost to fix all the water issues?

6. Where would the four egresses for entrance and exits be located for the new complex?

— What specific neighborhoods/streets would be impacted?

7. The taxpayers need to know specifically what instructional services are not being provided at Reilly and Buckeye?

8. Why are they adding seventh and eighth grades to the complex?

— Are they overcrowded at the Junior High school?

— How many students are in seventh and eighth grade?

— What is the student capacity on the second floor of the high school?

9. Is the student capacity at its maximum at Reilly and Buckeye?

— Buckeye (K-2) 428 Cap

— Reilly (3&4) 260 Cap

Finally, if the school buildings were deteriorating beyond repair, I would be the first to say we need to build a new elementary complex. A better use of taxpayer’s money would be for the school board to concentrate on giving their teachers and staff a major pay increase. As elected officials, school board members must commit to ensuring that the school district is responsive to the values, beliefs, and priorities of the community they represent.

In conclusion, what is upsetting me the most, is the school board has chosen to demolish Reilly and Buckeye, while not even attempting to repurpose them. There are some very good options that could extend the life of these buildings, instead of tearing them down. They could contact an experienced architect who specializes in school rehabilitation. They could permanently fix the plumbing issues. They could contact area developers to see if either of the schools could be made into apartments or lofts? A school in Poland will be converted into apartments, this proves that older schools can have a future.

Karen Lehwald Carter,

Salem