Lakewood Schools Set To Lose $45 Million In State Funding?

[Bill Call]

Two years ago I was told the State of Ohio would pay $45 million to the Lakewood Schools if all three phases were completed.

Is that still true?

Will the schools receive $45 million to fund 2 elementary schools even though at the time the building program was started the plan was to build 3 elementary schools? If building cost increase will Lakewood get more money? Are we getting any money at all?

Given recent increases in enrollment and overcrowding at the elementary schools are Lakewood school officials NEGLIGENT if they do not ask the State to re-visit their decision?

Does it make sense to close Grant, which can be rehabed for $5 million, and instead rehab Lincoln for $20 million?

How much extra was spent on "preservation costs"? The State will not fund those costs.

Why the silence?

The schools are facing an annual $10 million deficit. Isn't it time to rethink how the schools are operated? Isn't it time to challenge the status quo?

[Bryan Schwegler]

There's some discussion here:
viewtopic.php?f=7&t=9963

[Meg Ostrowski]

Two years ago I was told the State of Ohio would pay $45 million to the Lakewood Schools if all three phases were completed.

Is that still true?

Will the schools receive $45 million to fund 2 elementary schools even though at the time the building program was started the plan was to build 3 elementary schools? If building cost increase will Lakewood get more money? Are we getting any money at all?

Given recent increases in enrollment and overcrowding at the elementary schools are Lakewood school officials NEGLIGENT if they do not ask the State to re-visit their decision?

Does it make sense to close Grant, which can be rehabed for $5 million, and instead rehab Lincoln for $20 million?

How much extra was spent on "preservation costs"? The State will not fund those costs.

Why the silence?

The schools are facing an annual $10 million deficit. Isn't it time to rethink how the schools are operated? Isn't it time to challenge the status quo?

At this time, the most concerning clause in the argeement between Lakewood City Schools and OSFC reads;

The Commission’s funds are contingent upon the availability of lawful appropriations by the Ohio General Assembly. If the General Assembly fails at any time to continue funding for the Commission or its building assistance programs, including the payments and other obligations that will become due hereunder when the school district becomes eligible for state building assistance under Ohio Revised Code Sections 3318.01 to 3318.20, the Commission’s obligations are terminated as of the date that the funding expires without further obligation of the Commission.