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Twinsburg City School District Tiger Legacy Project |
We are pleased to update you on the progress of the Tiger Legacy Project, our initiative to improve the facilities within the Twinsburg City School District. The Tiger Legacy Project began in 2016 with the development of the TCSD Comprehensive Strategic Plan. After an initial facilities assessment, we finalized the Strategic Plan in 2018. However, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 forced us to pause community engagement efforts and shift our focus to ensuring a safe and healthy environment for our students and staff members during that international health crisis. By 2021, the Board of Education identified facilities planning as a primary focus, leading to community re-engagement and renaming the project to the Tiger Legacy Project in 2022. Last year, we achieved a significant milestone with the passage of an operating levy, ensuring necessary funding to support the daily operations of our schools.
Now, with rising labor and resource costs, it is crucial to discuss addressing our facilities' needs. In 2024, our Board of Education reviewed a comprehensive report from the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC) regarding the state of our school buildings. The findings were significant: four (4) out of our five (5) schools, excluding Twinsburg High School, have reached a point where ne0-88db-4388-a252-b7303c29c8fa.pdfcessary renovations are approaching or exceeding 66% of the costs to build new facilities. According to the "2/3rds Rule," constructing new facilities may be more beneficial than continuing with costly repairs.
We are committed to transparency and community involvement. As we advance with these plans, we will continue to gather feedback and ensure that our actions align with the community’s wishes for our schools.
Tiger Legacy Project Roadmap
(Click either image to download a PDF of the roadmap)
Tiger Legacy Project Frequently Asked Questions
Updated: April 2025
The District is compiling a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) based on the questions we have received from stakeholders. We will continue to add to this list as necessary. In addition, please feel free to submit questions to Superintendent Kathi Powers at:
kpowers@twinsburgcsd.org.
What is Issue 11?
Issue 11 is a bond levy supporting the Tiger Legacy Project. a plan developed with input from our community to address facility and educational needs in a fiscally responsible manner. The bond levy is for the term of 36 years, with an estimated interest rate of 5.00% and a millage rate of 3.84 mills, which is approximately $135 per $100,000. of appraised property value, as determined by the Summit County Fiscal Office.
What is the Tiger Legacy Project?
The Tiger Legacy Project is an initiative to improve the facilities within the Twinsburg City School District. It began in 2016 with the development of the TCSD Comprehensive Strategic Plan. Action Teams comprised of a cross-section of community stakeholders gathered to develop the Strategic Plan. The stakeholders comprised both internal and external audiences and focused on creating a plan that would move the District forward in the years to come.
From that work, the Conceptual Legacy Project was created.
Although the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 paused community engagement efforts, the Board of Education identified facilities planning as a primary focus in 2021. This led to community re-engagement and the renaming of the project to the Tiger Legacy Project in 2022.
Why is the District revisiting the building project now?
The Twinsburg Board of Education reviewed a comprehensive report from the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC) in 2024, revealing that four (4) out of five (5) schools, excluding Twinsburg High School, have renovation costs nearing or exceeding 66% of the costs to build new facilities. According to the "2/3rds Rule," constructing new facilities may be more urgent needs for athletic facility upgrades have made it crucial to address our facilities' needs.
Following the failure of Issue 33, the 4.29 mill Bond levy in November 2024, the District took steps to review the feedback gathered during Community Conversations earlier this school year. This feedback noted the following concerns:
• Increased traffic on Ravenna Road at the RBC Campus
• Impact in the neighborhoods near the planned relocation of Tiger Stadium
• Environmental concerns at the Dodge Campus
• Adequate parking at the new PK-6 elementary school
• Cost of the project
Through this reflective process, an updated Tiger Legacy Project was developed. The Tiger Legacy Project is critical as our District’s buildings and facilities continue to age with very costly renovations needed.
What are the key projects in the updated Tiger Legacy Project?
The key projects include:
• New PK-6 Elementary School: This new facility will consolidate and modernize our elementary education environment, providing state-of-the-art resources, including security enhancements, for our youngest learners.
• In this modified plan, Tiger Stadium, Hoon Softball Field, and the Boys’ Practice Soccer Field remain in their current locations.
• The Junior Varsity/9th Grade Baseball Field currently located on the campus of Twinsburg High School will be relocated to the front lawn on the campus of RB Chamberlin Middle School.
• The Varsity Baseball Field will be relocated to the campus of Twinsburg High School, to the current location of the Junior Varsity/9th Grade Baseball Field.
• The Girls’ Practice Soccer Field will be relocated to the RBC Campus.
• All athletic fields currently located on the Dodge Campus will be vacated.
When did each of the schools in our District open, when were additions added, what is each school’s square footage, and how much property is included in each of the campuses?
Wilcox:
Building date(s): 1960, 1991 & 1999
Building square footage: 84,395
Site Acreage: 10.25
Bissell:
Building date(s): 1964, 1992, 1997 & 1999
Building square footage: 72,717
Site Acreage: 20
Dodge:
Building date(s): 1970, 1979 & 1994
Building square footage: 125,458
Site Acreage: 28.51
RBC:
Building date(s): 1957, 1959, 1960, 1962, 1986, 1989, 1992 & 1999
Building square footage: 123,466
Site Acreage: 39.21
THS:
Building date(s): 1999
Building square footage: 354,502
Site Acreage: 56.8
What if the District did nothing?
There is no “zero cost” option. Continuing to patch and repair aging schools could impact the funds available for classroom needs. The comprehensive report from the OFCC highlighted the significant costs of maintaining current facilities versus the benefits of new construction.
How much input will educators have in the needs of students regarding the building?
Once the Board of Education finalizes the scope of the project and necessary funding is secured, detailed plans and timelines will be developed. Staff members will be engaged in the design process to ensure the new facilities effectively meet the needs of students.
Do you have all the land needed for this project?
The Twinsburg Board of Education is entering into Land Swap Agreements with community partners which will secure the acreage necessary for this updated Tiger Legacy Project.
What is the timeline for construction of the Tiger Legacy Project?
Once the Board of Education finalizes the scope of the project and necessary funding is secured, detailed plans and timelines will be developed. Construction timelines will depend on the availability of materials and labor.
Cost Scenario for the updated Tiger Legacy Project:
(Estimated Costs)
- New PK-6 Elementary School = $86,028,762
- Includes abatement & demolition
Renovate Tiger Stadium in current location = $ 4,500,000
Renovate Hoon Softball Field in current location = $ 300,000
Relocate JV/9th Grade Baseball Field to RBC Campus = $ 350,000
Relocate Varsity Baseball Field to THS Campus = $ 1,500,000
Relocate Girls’ Practice Soccer Field to RBC Campus = $ 150,000
Contingency = $ 1,721,238
Additional Work
Site Work at new PK-6 elementary school property = $1,200,000
RBC: Roof replacement over gymnasium = $1,250,000
Total: = $97,000,000
- = Eligible for co-funding by the OFCC at 17%
- Anticipated OFCC Contribution = $14,884,034
Following the passage of two (2) Twinsburg Board of Education resolutions in January 2025, the associated costs for the Tiger Legacy Project include:
- $97,000,000.00 Bond
- 3.84 mills = $135 per year per $100,000.00 per Summit County Fiscal Officer’s appraised value
- These estimates are based on a maximum term of 36 years with an estimated interest rate of 5%.
How did the cost of this project and the bond arrive at $97,000,000.00?
- Estimated cost of a new Preschool – 6th grade elementary school & demolition of three (3) schools = $86,028,762
- Estimated cost of renovation/relocation of athletic fields = $6,800,000
- Site improvements and RBC roof repair = $2,450,000
- Contingency = $1,721,238 (1.86% of total project cost)
Can you provide some examples of what a homeowner would be expected to pay for this project?
Here are a few examples, based upon information from the Summit County website:
---------------------------------------------
A 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath condo in the City of Twinsburg:
Selling price in December 2024 = $185,000
Appraised value by Summit County =
$140,600
Estimated Bond cost =
$190/year
---------------------------------------------
A 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom house in Twinsburg Township:
Selling price in January 2025 = $230,000
Appraised value by Summit County =
$161,510
Estimated Bond cost =
$218/year
---------------------------------------------
A 3 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom house in the City of Reminderville:
Selling price in January 2025 = $310,000
Appraised value by Summit County =
$293,350
Estimated Bond cost =
$396/year
---------------------------------------------
Can you tell me more about the 17% co-funded amount from the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission? (OFCC)
- 17% co-funded portion of the project is applicable only toward building new academic square footage and abating and demolishing old square footage.
- The renovation and relocation of athletic fields is not funded by the OFCC.
- Funding of OFCC projects is dependent upon an equity rating system calculated by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, and funded by the General Assembly.
- The equity rating system is based upon the “wealth” of a school community. The Twinsburg City School District is considered a “wealthy” community due to the overall tax valuation of the City of Twinsburg, the City of Reminderville, and Twinsburg Township which is estimated to be over $1 billion.
- Receipt of co-funding from the OFCC will not occur until a date determined by the OFCC, and begins tracking upon the passage of a bond for the project.
How would the timing of this project work?
Land Swap Agreements with two community partners will make this updated Tiger Legacy Project a reality. Details will be provided as soon as these agreements are secured.
Immediately after securing the Bond levy, the design process for the new PK-6 Grade Elementary School will begin. At the same time, site work at the location of the new PK-6 Grade Elementary School will begin.
Renovations to Tiger Stadium, the Hoon Softball Field, the relocation of the JV/9th Grade Baseball Field and Girls’ Practice Soccer Field will occur as soon as site plans are finalized. The Varsity Baseball Field will be in the design process immediately after securing the Bond levy. The construction of the new Varsity Baseball Field will begin as soon as the JV/9th Grade Baseball Field is relocated to the RBC Campus.
Once students are welcomed into the new elementary school, George G. Dodge Intermediate School, Samuel Bissell Elementary School, and Wilcox Primary School will be removed. The Board of Education’s goal is to repurpose the vacated school campuses. The Bissell campus will be repurposed for a nature park, the Wilcox campus will be repurposed for a multigenerational-use park, and the Dodge campus is a key component in one of the Land Swap Agreements.
Where will the students attend school during the construction of the new elementary school?
Students will remain in their current grade/building configuration until the construction of the new elementary school is completed.
Did we consider using Bissell for PreK-1 and the new facility for grades 2-8 instead? If we’re considering our youngest learners and shared resources, does it make sense for such disparity in ages?
Since the facilities assessment was initially completed in 2016 and throughout the entirety of this planning process, we have considered a variety of grade band configurations. Per the facilities assessment most recently conducted by the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC), it is cost prohibitive to renovate Samuel Bissell Elementary School, thus, the focus is currently on the construction of a Preschool – grade 6 elementary school.
Does the Board of Education still own property off Chamberlin Road and if so, how many acres is it?
No, the Board of Education does not currently own property off Chamberlin Road.
Have other locations been considered? Bissell property at Miktarian and Ravenna Roads? Lutheran Church property?
Yes, currently the Board of Education is in negotiation with community partners to secure the acreage needed to construct the new PK- grade 6 elementary school.
New schools attract new families to the District. How do we ensure non-residents do not enroll?
Residency is a requirement for enrollment in our District. To that end, the Superintendent monitors residency and when alerted about families who may not be residents, she convenes residency hearings during which parents are required to produce appropriate residency documents in order for their children to remain enrolled in the District.
What is the building construction type being considered? Will there be consideration for future flexibility? Has there been an analysis into future students?
The building construction type will be finalized during the design process. The OFCC’s enrollment study, as well as three (3) previous enrollment studies, indicates that the District’s enrollment will remain steady.
Will there be more than one (1) gym and more than one (1) cafeteria in the new elementary school? Also, has consideration been given to making the cafeteria and gym with movable walls to make a large space for events?
It would be appropriate for a large elementary school to have more than one (1) gym and more than one (1) cafeteria with an option for a large gathering space for events, however, these decisions will be finalized in the design process. The design process will engage many stakeholders so that the new elementary school meets the needs defined through that process.
Is there an option to create a 3-6 grade building and renovate Wilcox and Bissell with Wilcox PreK-K and Bissell grades 1 & 2?
No, as per the facilities assessment most recently conducted by the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC), it is cost prohibitive to renovate Wilcox Primary School and Samuel Bissell Elementary School, thus, the focus is currently on the construction of a Preschool – grade 6 elementary school.
Can we combine Dodge and RBC into one middle school for grades 5 – 8?
Currently, we do not have adequate space at RBC to add grades 5 & 6 to the school’s enrollment. Further, the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission’s (OFCCs) findings do not support the renovation of the middle school. The District could decide to renovate RBC, however, that renovation would not receive matching funds from the OFCC.
Could you move the varsity baseball field/soccer field/etc. to the front of RBC, removing the old practice fields currently located there? This would provide a more prominent site for the varsity sports.
The fields in front of RBC are used for JV Baseball, RBC baseball, and RBC softball/JV softball.
Would there be collaboration with the City of Twinsburg to expand Ravenna Road to ease congestion if all schools move to the campus along Ravenna Road?
Yes, collaboration with the City of Twinsburg is ongoing and will be an important component of this project. A traffic study was conducted in the fall of 2024 and the results of that study will be shared with City officials so that concerns regarding congestion, etc. can be addressed.
I did not see staff designated parking in the site plan for the new elementary school. Since lack of parking is an issue at many buildings during events like Open House, is there room to increase parking in these plans?
Even though the current plan under consideration includes an elementary school that houses students in Preschool – Grade 6, the administration will collaborate to ensure that events planned for grade bands are scheduled in a thoughtful, strategic manner so that families can enjoy the events with ease of parking in mind. Regardless, additional parking has been included in the updated Tiger Legacy Project in response to the feedback previously received.
Why isn’t the new elementary school being built on the property in front of RB Chamberlin Middle School?
It is our understanding that the lawn in front of RB Chamberlin is not stable (swamp below the lawn) and cannot sustain the construction of a large building upon it.
The Westlake example was only Preschool – Grade 4 which is different than Preschool – Grade 6 in terms of diversity of student needs.
Yes, Westlake Elementary School is a Preschool – Grade 4 school. We provided this school as an example of a school built with “houses” for grade bands. Although not an exact match, the Westlake model provides insight into what our proposed elementary school may look like with grade banded “houses”. The exact design of our new elementary school will be determined during the design process where the needs of each grade level of student, as related to this building project, will be considered.
Will all grade bands start and end at the same time? Will start and end times be staggered?
The school’s Master Schedule will be developed based upon the new “house” concept of this proposed school. Start and end times will be staggered.
Will PreK-Grade 6 students all ride the same buses?
No, it is our intention to develop the transportation routes based upon the new “house” concept of this proposed school. It would not be our intention to mix grade bands between the “houses” unless they are naturally aligned (e.g. Kindergarten and first grade).
Will lunch periods be mixed grades and different lunch times?
A Master Schedule will be developed for lunch periods and specials (Art, Music, PE). It would not be our intention to mix grade bands between the “houses” unless they are naturally aligned (e.g. grades 2 and 3).
What would the new class size be (average) with a PreK-6 building?
As enrollment studies conducted by the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC) and three (3) other organizations consistently indicate that the District’s enrollment will remain steady, class sizes will remain at an average of 20 – 24 students.
With the number of high school students expected to take post-secondary credit (College Credit Plus) and middle school students taking high school courses for credit, was a new upper level school every considered? COVID taught us we don’t need bricks and mortar.
No, we have not considered a new upper level school as part of the Tiger Legacy Project. We will continue to monitor the number of students who elect to take College Credit Plus courses off our high school campus. At this point, that number has not greatly impacted course offerings at Twinsburg High School. In the future, if it should, the District could determine it beneficial to move middle school students to the campus of Twinsburg High School.
Aren’t the people who live on Ashdale going to have problems with the relocation of Tiger Stadium to the high school campus?
Due to the concerns raise by the neighbors in the Ashdale community, along with other feedback the District received, an updated Tiger Legacy Project was developed. Tiger Stadium will be renovated in its current location, thus addressing the concerns raised by the Ashdale community.
Would there be staff reduction due to consolidation?
No, at this time we do not project staff reduction.
Are security considerations built into this plan?
Yes, District officials make safety and security a priority. Secure portals, Welcome Centers, security cameras and fencing, adequate egress, School Resource Officers, administrative oversight, and other proven security measures are all a part of this plan.
With the recent lightning strike at Twinsburg High School, we learned that adequate backup for the District’s phones, internet, and security functions were not available. Will generators and backups for these functions be considered in this plan?
Yes, it is important that we build back-up and redundancy into our systems. This will be a priority for this project.
I am concerned about the practice facilities at the old Dodge site being near the City’s waste treatment plant and the awful smell.
We know that the odor at the Dodge site is concerning. Thus, the updated Tiger Legacy Project relocates the Varsity Baseball Field and the Girls’ Practice Soccer field to the west side of Ravenna Road. The athletic fields currently located on the Dodge campus will be vacated.
One year after an extreme budgeting failure that resulted in the reduction of staff, why should the District’s residents trust that the District will effectively manage a multi-million dollar project?
The development of last year’s Expenditure Reduction Plan was not the result of mismanagement of the District’s funds but rather by legislative action that reduced our funding. The biggest loss was due to the total elimination of the Tangible Personal Property (TPP) Tax/Commercial Activities Tax (CAT) which resulted in the District losing millions in annual revenue. In Ohio, House Bill 66 (HB66) was the legislation that eliminated the tax businesses pay on Tangible Personal Property (TPP). The original legislation set forth that the State of Ohio would reimburse school districts for several years the amount of lost revenues. A tax once under local/county control had been eliminated and replaced by a State collected Commercial Activity Tax (CAT). The replacement CAT tax was also eliminated. The resulting loss of millions in annual revenue caused the fiscal challenges which led to the development of the Expenditure Reduction Plan and the reduction of staff members in the Spring of 2023.
District officials will work to ensure that the funds for the Tiger Legacy Project are well managed and that the project is fully constructed within budget.
What building requirements and cost efficiency/engineering are being considered with this project?
The new school will be LEED certified. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and LEED certification is a globally recognized rating system that recognizes buildings that are built or maintained to the highest standard of sustainability. The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) created the system in 1998.
LEED certification can apply to all building types, including new construction, interiors, operations and maintenance, and core and shell. To achieve certification, a building must implement green building practices that address areas such as carbon, energy, water usage, waste, transportation, materials, and health and indoor environmental quality.
Through the building design process, all modern building and construction codes will be met. Once the facility is designed, the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC) will work in partnership with the District and the architect for the duration of the project to ensure compliance.
A building can last forever if properly maintained. Why have the buildings not been better maintained over time?
Based upon the needs identified in the facilities assessment and within the annual budget constraints, the District maintains its facilities. The Permanent Improvement Fund not only supports capital projects, but also the purchase of school buses, instructional materials, and technology. Similar to your own home, the infrastructure of our buildings, continues to age. While we invest the Permanent Improvement Fund in repairs, there comes a time where we need to look at the best long-term solution. Thus, the Tiger Legacy Project and the subsequent modified Tiger Legacy Project have been proposed.
With $2.1 million in the Permanent Improvement Fund annually, what renovations have been done to Bissell, Wilcox, and Dodge in the last 2 – 5 years?
Building
|
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
TOTAL |
Notes |
Wilcox Primary School
|
$ 22,320.00
|
$ 25,400.00
|
$14,236.00
|
$89,411.00
|
$ 27,298.00
|
$ 37,037.00
|
$ 215,702.00
|
Doors, HVAC, Playground equipment, Windows, PA System, Paving & Roofing |
| Samuel Bissell Elementary School |
$ 73,070.00 |
$ 4,000.00 |
$ 15,896.00 |
$90,500.00 |
$ 40,218.00 |
$ 10,390.00 |
$234,074.00 |
Doors, HVAC, Plumbing, Windows, PA System, Paving & Roofing |
| George G. Dodge Intermediate School |
$ 41,468.00 |
$ 8,465.00 |
$38,412.00 |
$ 77,747.00 |
$ 20,059.00 |
$ 62,100.00 |
$ 248,251.00 |
Doors, Electrical, Flooring, HVAC,
Plumbing, Windows, PA System, Paving
& Roofing |
- Please note, the Permanent Improvement Fund supports capital improvements at each of our facilities as well as the purchase of new buses, instructional materials, and technology.
When will funds from the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC), the 17% contribution, be provided to the District?
The receipt of the OFCC’s contribution is based upon the funding level they receive from the State of Ohio. Additionally, the District’s rank on the OFCC’s District Equity List will determine the point in which the District will receive the contribution.
What will the District do with the 17% co-funded amount received from the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC)?
The Twinsburg Board of Education has not determined the use of funds associated with the 17% co-funded amount, however, options may include:
- Invest in additional capital projects including the renovation of Twinsburg High School and/or RB Chamberlin Middle School.
- Allocate funds towards the balance of the bond
Please note, these funds cannot be used for operating expenses such as salaries and benefits.
I know the plan is to tear down Wilcox Primary School, Samuel Bissell Elementary School and George G. Dodge Intermediate School once the students and staff members are moved to the new Preschool – Grade 6 elementary school. What does the Board of Education plan to do with the Dodge, Bissell and Wilcox properties once the schools are torn down?
Once students are welcomed into the new elementary school, George G. Dodge Intermediate School, Samuel Bissell Elementary School, and Wilcox Primary School will be removed. The Board of Education’s goal is to repurpose the vacated school campuses. The Bissell campus will be repurposed for a nature park, the Wilcox campus will be repurposed for a multigenerational-use park, and the Dodge campus is a key component in one of the Land Swap Agreements.
What percent of the state’s schools are meeting the state’s building standards?
Please contact the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC) for the answer to this question. Please visit the OFCC website at:
www.ofcc.ohio.gov
How many years do we have to fully meet the state’s building standards for each building? Can we operate in buildings that are out of date?
This is a locally controlled decision. In the meantime, please know that the District continues to be compliant with all health and safety codes.
From the November ballot to the May ballot, the plan went from $107 million to $97 million – what changed in the plan that dropped the price lower? Were parts of the plan taken away or just revised?
Following the loss of the November bond levy, we considered what we heard from our residents. They voiced concerns about the increased traffic on Ravenna Road if the new school was built on the current site of Tiger Stadium. They also voiced concerns about moving the stadium behind Twinsburg High School as well as concerns about limited parking at the proposed site of the new school if it had been built on the current location of Tiger Stadium. Moreover, residents voiced concerns about relocating athletic fields onto the Dodge campus because of the environmental concerns caused by the Twinsburg Wastewater Treatment Plant. Thus, we knew that we had to address these concerns as we revised the Tiger Legacy Project.
By not moving Tiger Stadium and by engaging in the land swap agreement with the City of Twinsburg, we are able to propose a less expensive project, thus reducing its cost from $107 million to $97 million.
During the Community Conversations, you mentioned a time when former Twinsburg Mayor Ted Yates proposed the land swap where the new school would be built on the corner of Route 91 and Glenwood Drive – when did this happen? Can you provide details?
The discussion with former Mayor Ted Yates occurred early in the project, likely around 2018/2019. This was Pre-Covid. At that time, Mayor Yates did not support the construction of the new elementary school behind Twinsburg High School/Twinsburg Fitness Center due to the anticipated increase in traffic. Thus, he proposed the initial land swap idea which would have been the City providing land at the corner of Route 91 and Glenwood in exchange for a parcel of land at the Dodge Campus. When the pandemic began and throughout its duration, we shuttered any thought of moving forward with the Tiger Legacy Project. Our focus was on keeping our students, their families, and our staff members healthy and safe. The project was re-energized in 2021. At that time, the plan was to use property owned by the Twinsburg Board of Education. Hence, the land swap idea was not revisited until after the November ballot issue failed and we reconsidered ways to enhance the project based upon feedback from our community members.
Where can I find a copy of the building assessment conducted by the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission?
Does the land swap part of the plan need to be approved by voters or just the city/school district?
No, the land swap agreement does not need to be approved by the voters. Only Twinsburg City Council and the Twinsburg Board of Education must approve the land swap agreement.
"House" sizes- In the rendering presented in the recent presentation, the houses do appear to be small, one story buildings. However, in a more detailed version I saw in the fall of 2024, it appeared that the houses were actually 2 stories. This would make a big difference if they were, in fact, two stories and I think would alleviate a lot of concerns people have about overall space.
The only "house" that would be one-story would be the Preschool/Kindergarten house. This is purposeful as we do not want our youngest students traveling on stairs. The other houses, First & Second Grades; Third & Fourth Grades; and Fifth & Sixth Grades are all two-story houses.
Other buildings- In the rendering, it appears that there are three small buildings in the front of each house, I'm assuming that that would be for offices/ meeting rooms(?), and then the large common area in the back in the middle of the houses for gyms and cafeterias, correct? However, since they are just squares, it's difficult to tell what they will be.
The exact design of the new Preschool - Grade 6 elementary school will be determined through the design process which would begin immediately following the passage of the bond levy. In the meantime, the architect's rendering does show accurate square footage of the new school, based on the data provided through the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC). The other parts of the school, as shown in the architect's rendering would be considered shared spaces such as for special area teachers (art, music, physical education), office space, meeting spaces, etc.
Is the door closed to have the main entrance to the new proposed school on Ravenna road?
After the November election, we entered into negotiations with property owners on Ravenna Road for the possible purchase of their property. Although it had been promising, we were unable to meet the terms of their sale agreements. So, at this point in time, it looks like a driveway off Ravenna Road to the site of the proposed site is unlikely.
Is there any chance to get an extension on the OFCC contributions? Seems too fast for residents to make a decision six months after the November 2024 failed results.
If the bond fails in May, we would be required to start a new agreement with the OFCC which means they would need to reassess our properties, once again. We would lose the locked in reimbursement of 17% as each time an agreement occurs, a new rate is assigned. The next rate may be lower than the 17% meaning our District may actually receive less than that amount which is now projected to be about $14.8 million.
Is there any chance of keeping Bissell Elementary? That school has been well maintained and has had recent upgrades done to it, such as new energy efficient windows and doors and Security entrance for visitors.
With the OFCC agreement, buildings that are vacated are abated for asbestos and then demolished. We would not want to keep an empty building due to the costs of maintenance, utilities, insurance, etc. Although cosmetically Bissell appears to be well preserved, we have many challenges in that building. For example, electricity is problematic due to the fact that the school is built on an old grid. This means that intermittently we lose power in the school which, as you can imagine, is a major disruption to our students and staff. The Board of Education does not intend to sell the Bissell campus, but rather repurpose it as a Nature Park meant for outdoor education for our students and for the enjoyment of our community members.
Is it necessary to spend money on property on Chamberlin trail? It is my understanding that the house the Board purchased was built in 1942, and the entrance is very tight. Why was this purchase made?
The reason that property was purchased was to provide a buffer to the house that is next door to the City property the BOE would take possession of should the bond pass. We felt it prudent, and quite honestly in an effort to be a good neighbor, to purchase the other property so as to be able to position the bus driveway away from that homeowner's property line.
How is the millage calculated and who decides on the millage?
The county calculates and decides the millage needed for the project the district suggests.
Is the interest rate on the millage or the loan from the bank to cover the costs until revenue is received to pay back the loan at 5% interest?
The loan. The interest rate used to calculate the millage was estimated at 5%, based on recent market trends. The district won’t know the actual interest rate on the bonds until they are issued, which is probably sometime in late summer, if the bond passes in May. The county will begin to collect revenues on behalf of the school district, on the new bond issue's millage, beginning January 2026 which will then be used to pay the annual principal and interest payments of the bond (loan).
If home values increase more revenue is generated, yes?
As assessed value increases, the annual millage needed to pay off the bonds decreases; that is, the District will collect approximately the same amount every year until the bond's final payment. Levies outside the inside millage do not generate more revenues to the school district over time, as a result of HB 920.
Revenue decreases with the fall of home values, yes?
Not necessarily. The originally approved amount by the voters will be collected annually by the county.
For the latter, how would that impact covering the cost of the project?
Not applicable
For the present levies on the books with millage, with increased or decreased property values, would more or less revenue get generated?
Only the inside millage brings the district higher revenues with property value increases. All other levies bring the same amounts as originally were passed for by the residents.
When EBITDA is net positive, where does this money go?
Not applicable. Please see the District's Five Year Forecast (available on the Treasurer's page on the school website) for cash balances carried over year to year on line 7.02 (The recommended cash reserves for any District are 60-90 days balances)
There are 11 levies we presently pay as homeowners for the school district. Can you speak to all 11 in terms of their inception, purpose, millage, and end date?
Please see all related information to this question below in the 2024-25 Certification of Tax Levy issued by the Summit County Fiscal Office. It reflects all items you’re inquiring about:
- “Inception” is column “Auth by voters on MO/DA/YR”
- The approved millage at the time they started,
- Reduction factor of millages,
- “Effective Rate to be Levied” meaning, what the millage currently collected is
- It also has the tax year beginning and end dates as well as the
- Collection Year beginning and end dates columns.
- You are correct, there are 11 levies. A quick review version of all 11 of them in the January Tax Budget PowerPoint presentation, is displayed on our school website, on the Treasurer’s page. Here is the link to it for your convenience: https://www.twinsburg.k12.oh.us/treasurer.aspx
When one seeks a home loan from the bank, years of assets and expenses are required for approval. Isn't the community the bank?
In this example the District/(community) is the homeowner and various investors across the country who purchase the bonds are the "bank". The District does undergo a vigorous credit review from an outside third party credit rating agency, before the bonds are offered for sale to investors so that they know the District is a “good” investment.
Is 35% still the appraised value calculation?
Yes, the 35% of the market value is called the assessed value. The county does such calculations and the 35% figure is state law (Ohio Revised Code).
Do our neighboring districts also have a similar amount of levies on their books?
We are unable to speak to neighboring District's levies.