FAYETTEVILLE - The Fayetteville Board of Education's decision to build a new Jr./Sr. High School in front of the existing building goes against the wishes of 334 Fayetteville residents who prefer the building be placed in another location.
In a three-to-two decision on April 27, 2006, board members designated the land located approximately 45 feet in front of the old high school building as the site for a new building. This site is referred to as site A. The second option, site B, is located on top of the soccer fields south of the old school, and would require less landfill and destruction.
At a special meeting held on Tuesday, Sept. 19, community members urged the board to reconsider their decision to build the school on site A.
Board members, seated in front of residents in the high school gymnasium, asked that questions about the project be submitted in writing.
Jesse Milikan spoke on behalf of those Fayetteville residents who signed a petition asking for the board to consider site B. Milikan stood before the board, saying, "A lot of people have concerns over the proposed location for the building. As I understand it will cost $500,000 to prepare the site. Also, with the site being in close proximity to the existing building, there will be a disruption to the students and also a safety concern. "
Milikan also pointed out that water and fiber optic lines would have to be relocated, and that the area is prone to water retention that may be costly later in the form of water pumps that may have to be purchased and maintained. Milikan suggested that the board make contact with Earl Berger, who owns property adjacent to site B, because he would be willing to donate an easement next to site B to deviate the water problem.
"We already drain the soccer field that way," said Milikan.
Finally Milikan voiced concern over the proposed building of an administration building that would cost $300,000. According to Milikan, plans for such a building were never included in the original levy and instead it was implied that the old industrial arts building would be used as administrative offices. In a telephone interview with Treasurer JoAnna Carraher, she claimed that the administration building was not a new item.
"It was in the original plans and money was set aside in the beginning, " said Carraher. "However, nothing is cast in stone."
Fred Julian, a cost estimator for KZF Design, also spoke to the board on Tuesday. Julian claimed the project on site A was $4,000,000 over budget and that they would only have a one year warranty with their new building, which is planned to be constructed by Steed, Hammond, and Paul. Julian also inquired as to where the board planned for people to park when 113 parking spaces would be torn up during the construction of the new building." This community asked for something aesthetically pleasing, not a monstrous building located right next to Highway 68," said Julian.
Board members were asked to respond, with each member stating why they had chosen site A or site B. In the decision on April 27, board members Melanie Crone, Merri Kay Adkins and President Betty Rowlands voted for Site A.
Over the issue of safety, Adkins said, " I have been concerning myself with the safety of others for the past 15 years and if I thought for one minute that our children might be hurt I would not have decided on site A."
Board President Rowlands said, " I wanted to see our schools close together, not apart. "
Eighty four percent of the new school project is funded by the Ohio School Facilities Commission, while the other 16 percent, or $18. 7 million, will be paid with money from Fayetteville residents. The bond levy passed with 739 members of the community for and 582 members against the tax.
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