There Is A Better Way

FHSD Bond and Permanent Improvement Levy Critical Concerns

2014
Bond Levy
$103 Million
$15.6 million to rebuild
Wilson Elementary
+ $82.4 million to renovate the
remaining eight buildings
+ $5 million for the
opportunity to consider the
gradual implementation of all-
day kindergarten and
relocate transportation facility
+ .5 mills to create a
permanent improvement fund
Nine-Building Configuration
Seven of nine buildings will be
between 70 and 85 years old
when bond expires in 32.5 years
Cost Per Square Foot
Elementary renovation budgets
are between $77 and $90/sq.
ft.*; OFCCs state minimum
standards recommend nearly
$165/sq. ft.
How did we get here?
In 2004 and 2013, the Forest Hills School District consulted the Ohio Facilities
Construction Commission to assess facilities needs. The OFCC is a state organization
that conducts facility evaluations and provides funding for school construction to
supplement local tax income. The OFCC sets minimum standards for renovations and
construction in areas such as electrical, security, windows, roofs, handicap accessibility,
and technology. Forest Hills 2013 OFCC report revealed all six elementary schools
have reached the point where rebuilding is advised, not just Wilson Elementary.
What does the bond propose?
The district is asking for $103 million (4.45 mills) over 32.5 years: $98 million to rebuild
Wilson Elementary and renovate eight buildings; and $5 million to relocate the
transportation facility (currently at Anderson High School) and to provide the
opportunity to consider the gradual implementation of all-day kindergarten.
What are the critical concerns?
Forest Hills leaders claim eight of the nine buildings will be renovated to new.
However, several independent architects familiar with modern school design have
reviewed the Forest Hills proposal and believe the plan is insufficient for the kind of
transformation needed in Forest Hills. Beyond that, here are the most critical concerns:
Not Sustainable The proposal offers $0 in operational savings and ties the district to
maintenance and operations of nine buildings for 32.5 years. The .5 mill permanent
improvement fund would generate about $600,000 per year, but the district has spent
an average of nearly $800,000 per year the past decade. By the time the bond expires,
seven of the nine buildings will be between 70 and 85 years old.
Not Renovate to New The plan delivers only fractions of OFCC recommended
renovations: 10% electrical at Maddux; 26% security at Mercer; 43% handicap
accessibility at Summit; 38% security at Anderson; 15% windows at Ayer and Sherwood.
Flawed Planning Process The Superintendent and Board of Education drove the
process, relied heavily on public surveys, and did not follow typical master planning
protocol. The plan sacrifices cost and education benefits of alternate configurations.
Inequitable Wilsons per pupil budget is more than double the budget at the other
elementary schools. Turpin will receive 40,000-50,000 square feet of reconfigured
21
st
century learning space in main classroom areas; Anderson will receive 10,000
square feet of reconfigured space in the chorus, band and science wings only.
How can we find A Better Way?
Forest Hills leaders say this plan is the best we can do it is better to do something
than nothing. However, alternatives with annual cost savings and long-term vision were
overlooked. Nearby districts plan for the future by consolidating resources, utilizing
OFCC resources, and creating true Master Plans. How will Forest Hills remain a district
of choice if we settle for less? Ask this question and dont settle for vague answers.

A no vote is not against public school or children; it is a vote that says: We wont
settle f or a non-transf ormation. We dont believe this is the last chance for Forest
Hills to do something, we believe its the perfect opportunity to do something right.
Quick Facts
Oper ational Costs
Saves $0 in operational costs
and does not consider added
costs; forgoes efficiencies of
consolidation and locks in need
for more operating levies
*Based on FH/SSOE Master
Planning document, 08.01.14
**2013 OFCC Enrollment report
Enrollment Pr ojections
Enrollment is expected to
decline nearly 600 students by
the 2023/24 school year**
For more details, visit
bett erwayfor for esthills.org
Vote No
On Issue 4