Frequently Asked Questions

1. Could a new building be attached to the newest portion of the current building, on the present site? Our current Master Plan would not allow this. Also, the back part of our land drops off drastically, so it cannot be used without extensive and very costly site preparation. Another negative is that we would have to house our elementary students off site in modular classrooms, which are projected to cost $625,000. 2. If we use the present site, will it be a one story or two story building? If we decide on a two story plan, we must install multiple elevators, which would be very expensive. We could build a one story building only where the current building stands. However, to build on the back portion of our land we have to address the grading problem, which would require extensive work and therefore, extensive costs. We could build a two story building on the space where the elementary currently is, but again we would have to relocate classes during construction. 3. Why is the land location being held a secret It has not been determined yet. The purpose of the survey is to reach out to the community and ask their opinion on whether a new site would be more appealing or if the existing site is what they want. The board doesnt want to make a decision without feedback from the community. Once we receive the feedback and IF the majority of the community chooses a new site, we will then work towards securing land. 4. Why is there such a big cost difference between updating the present facilities and building a new facility? Updating and/or remodeling our current facility would be done entirely at our cost, as the state will not help fund it. However, a new building would be subsidized by the state with the states share at 64% and our local share at 36%. The states share is money that they set aside many years ago to help districts whose buildings were unsafe, aging, and not adaptable to 21st century learning and teaching. 5. If the community decides to build an entirely new building, will all of the current building have to be demolished? This has not been decided, but it has been suggested that it could become a community building or we could sell it. However, OFCC has some rules that we must follow; it must be demolished, sold, or only used for non-school purposes. No classes could be held in the building. Additionally, there is a specific timeline we must follow. 6. Is there really such an urgent need for a new school building?

Our current buildings interior is not efficiently designed. We have classrooms, which can only be accessed by going through other classrooms. Also, we have issues with the infra-structure (plumbing, sewer, boiler, and electric) in parts of the building. Since there is no air-conditioning in the elementary, our students and staff endure unbearable learning conditions at certain times of the school year. 7. Why dont we just hold off for a year or two? Do we need to make a decision this year? According to OSCC, districts may choose to defer funding for one year, which means we have one year from July 11, 2013 to pass a levy. After that time we will need a new plan evaluation, which would put us at a disadvantage and cost us additional funds. We have already been designated a lapsed district since 2008. Also, state funding is not guaranteed, interest rates are projected to rise, as well as construction costs average an increase of 3% each year.

8. Why wouldnt we use a building that is only 20 years old? Arent most of the problems in the elementary? It is true that part of the building is only 20 years old, but that is over half the expected life of a school building. Some of the issues in the building include: lack of air conditioning, a gym with no air conditioning, and a cafeteria that is outdated and not big enough to support all of our students. Also, we have electrical issues and our current building does not adapt well to the 21st century learning requirements as there have been many changes in testing, curriculum, and college and career readiness. While we could band-aid our technology and intranet requirements, our students would constantly be dealing with dropped internet access and lack of space for true collaboration. 9.

What are the problems associated with our current building? Maintenance of aging buildings Location of school affects traffic flow, which creates accessibility for fire/rescue Leaking roof, corroded pipes No air conditioning in the elementary Need 21st Century building to accommodate changing technology Have to share space; children must pass through one classroom to get to another Classrooms are too small Not able to accommodate increases in student enrollment Traffic flow; drop off and pick up is very congested Getting kids to practice safely at sports facility

10. Are there going to be public meetings so we can ask questions and get more information?

Yes, we will have several public forums for asking questions. As soon as the dates and times are established a schedule will be publicized. 11. What is an LFI? An LFI is a Locally Funded Initiative, which are items not funded by the OFCC. The OFCC program is designed to fund complete school building project costs, and is centered on providing educational program spaces. LFIs may include additional space beyond what is allowed, material enhancements, off-site improvements, or any item that is not directly related to the basic educational program. 12. Can the money from the bond levy be used for salaries, or any other operating costs? No. The purpose of the bond levy will be for constructing school facilities, and renovating and improving school facilities. These monies will also be used for locally funded initiatives, furnishing and equipping the buildings, improving the sites, and acquiring land. 13. How will the maintenance of a new and remodeled OFCC building be paid for? State Law requires that every district participating in OFCC programs approve a half-mill in addition to their construction levy in order to assist with the funding necessary to maintain the building over its lifetime. The construction millage and maintenance millage will be combined into one amount listed on the ballot. 14. Why should I vote for the levy if I dont have children in school? The future of this community and country depend on the young people of today and the education they receive from their school. What children need to know and how the children are being taught has changed over the years. The tradition, pride, and educational success that can be found in the Liberty Center Schools is due to the support the school has received from the taxpayers, with or without children. The success of the school will only continue if the support from the taxpayers continues. Each graduating class has benefited from the quality educational programs, in an appropriate setting, because generation after generation of taxpayers recognized the value education has on society. 15. Does the physical condition of a school building affect student learning? Yes. Recent research by the Environmental Protection Agency suggests that a schools physical environment can play a major role in academic performance. Leaky roofs and problems with heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems can trigger a host of health problems, including asthma and allergies, which increase absenteeism and reduce academic performance. Research links key environmental factors to health outcomes and students ability to perform. 16. Why doesnt OFCC pay for auditoriums and/or theaters?

OSCCs programs are focused on providing modernized classroom spaces for the twentyfirst century. Traditional auditoriums and athletic spaces are secondary to this mission and may be funded through local dollars. However, districts may decide to include a cafetorium or an auditeria (multipurpose areas that provide a combination theater and cafeteria spaces), which are co-funded expenditures. 17. How can bond money be used? Proceeds from a bond issue can only be used for the costs associated with construction and renovation of facilities, the acquisition of land, and the purchase of long-lasting items, such as equipment. Bond proceeds cannot be used to pay teacher salaries.