ANNA — The Anna Schools began 2019 with a strong financial forecast and considerable general fund carryover balance. The schools are well positioned for financial fluctuations that occur as the economy inevitably changes, funding formulas are adjusted and the district enters into a major renovation project. The Anna Schools are well prepared for the foreseeable future.
Superintendent Andy Bixler has released the following report:
During 2019 construction continued in the Middle School and High School in the district wide renovation project. This $20,000,000 facilities renovation project in partnership with the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission is near completion. The state supplied $8,700,000 with local taxpayers paying the rest. The schools have partnered with the architectural firm of BSHM and Robertson is serving as the construction manager on the project. In the spring of 2019, sixth and seventh grades held classes in the “swing building” and at the return of school in the fall, the swing building housed only seventh grade. As 2019 came to a close, all classrooms returned to the main building in renovated rooms. Nearly all construction took place at the Elementary School during the summer months with a handful of items being completed on nights and weekends after the start of the year.
The renovation included a complete overhaul of mechanical systems, technology infrastructure and fire alarms in both the elementary and middle school/high school. In the older sections of the MS/HS, air conditioning was added along with replacement of ventilation, plumbing and electrical systems. While the theme of the project is to take care of our existing facilities by adding 30-40 years to their useful life, there were some things added as new to the buildings. The district has a more modern day security system which includes modifications to allow for secure entry to the building past or through the office during school days in both buildings as well as full coverage with security cameras. Additionally, in the MS/HS there have been major improvements to the special education resource room and the kitchen. A new, more pronounced entrance has been constructed at the southwest corner of the MS/HS.
In August, the new State Report Card was released. The Anna schools earned a “B” in the overall district rating, Achievement, Progress and K-3 Literacy and an “A” in Graduation Rate and Gap Closing. The Anna students once again showed that they were prepared for new challenges. Both progress and improvement are evident. This is a credit to our high performing students, dedicated staff and supportive parents.
In December, the Anna Rockets Football Team won the Division VI state football championship over New Middletown Springfield by a score of 48-14. The team finished the program’s 20th varsity season 14-1 and recorded 12 “running clock” victories along the way.
