Anna Schools prepare for renovation project

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ANNA — The Anna Schools began 2017 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,” said Superintendent Andrew Bixler. “The Anna Schools are well prepared for the foreseeable future.”

His report continues:

Much of 2017 was spent preparing for the renovation project that will take place district wide.

This $20,000,000 facilities renovation project is in partnership with the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission. The state will supply $8,700,000 with local taxpayers paying the rest. The Schools have partnered with the architectural firm of BSHM and Robertson will serve as the construction manager on the project. In the summer months, some original floor tile was removed as part of asbestos abatement to expedite further construction. Also, the district contracted with Wells Brothers to build a “swing building.” This building will serve as temporary classrooms for the students and staff when they are displaced due to construction. With this being an OFCC project, the state is contributing $240,000 to the construction of this building, and when construction is complete, the district will be allowed to repurpose the building. The Board of Education preferred this approach to leasing trailers that would be hauled away at the conclusion of the project.

The renovation includes 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 will be 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 will be some things added as new to the buildings. The district is planning for a more modern day security system which includes modifications to allow for secure entry through the building office during school days in both building as well as full coverage with security cameras. Additionally, in the MS/HS there will be major improvements to the special education resource room and the kitchen. A new, more pronounced entrance is planned for the MS/HS and the district plans to convert two smaller classrooms into a new science lab. This very involved renovation requires very detailed planning at the outset and the beginning of the major construction will be in the late spring of 2018.

New for this school year, Anna Elementary is hosting a Shelby Hills Preschool classroom for resident children. This half day preschool program has been a great addition to our school program. Also the Shelby County Workforce Partnership has helped the school implement a district wide career exploration program giving students an opportunity to research and refine their career interests as they progress through school.

In August, the new State Report Card was released. The Anna schools earned a “B” in Achievement, Progress and Gap Closing and an “A” in Graduation Rate. With numerous changes to state testing, the Anna students once again showed that they were prepared for new challenges. The students showed improvement from the prior year in performance index, number of indicators met and value-added. Both progress and improvement are evident. This is a credit to our high performing students, dedicated staff and supportive parents.

Bixler
http://www.sidneydailynews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2018/02/web1_17-Andrew-Bixler.jpgBixler

For the Sidney Daily News

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