The Observation Deck

Rhonda loje wrote:Can anyone answer a question for me?

If the Schools are in need of money...

Why haven't we sold the schools we have decommissioned?

Before we ask the citizens of Lakewood for more money?

http://www.lakewoodobserver.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=8776&start=0

Rhonda,

The school properties have not been disposed of because they are still being used for educational purposes and, specifically, will be needed during the Phase III transition process.

After the Phase III process is complete, the properties will either be used for educational purposes or disposed of as mandated by the Ohio Revised Code and applicable laws. See, e.g., R.C. 3313.41 entitled, “Disposal of real or personal property.”

Matt

Thank you Matt.
When do you estimate that Phase III will be complete?
So all decommissioned building will be used for this process?
Thank you,
Rhonda

Rhonda loje wrote:Thank you Matt.
When do you estimate that Phase III will be complete?
So all decommissioned building will be used for this process?
Thank you,
Rhonda

You are welcome, Rhonda.

I do not know when Phase III will be complete. We will know more when the State of Ohio gives us a green light.

I do not know whether all properties will actually be used for Phase III transition purposes as that will depend, in part, on which elementary school closes and the Phase III timeline itself (which is yet to be determined). But, all properties will be used for educational purposes, and in a fiscally responsible manner. In the alternative, school properties will be disposed of as mandated by the Ohio Revised Code and applicable laws.

Matt

So will you be forming a plan after the Phase III decisions are made?
Then you will be ready to quickly implement after the State gives you the green light.
Will the public be part of this process?

Thank you Matt,
Rhonda

Rhonda loje wrote:So will you be forming a plan after the Phase III decisions are made?
Then you will be ready to quickly implement after the State gives you the green light.
Will the public be part of this process?

Thank you Matt,
Rhonda

Rhonda,

With respect to Phase III, the Board first needs to make a decision as to which building should close. The Board has not made a decision with respect to this issue. I have been asking for and reviewing data and information since the Phase III Committee (1) decided to not make a recommendation; (2) asked the Board to review and consider the information gathered by the Phase III Committee; and (3) asked the Board to obtain, review, and consider additional information not presented by the Phase III Committee. In fact, additional Phase III information will be shared with the Board under the Superintendent's Report at the Tuesday, January 19, 2010 regular school board meeting. Everyone is encouraged to attend. See http://www.lakewoodobserver.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=8783.

While I cannot speak for the Board, it would appear reasonable that the Board would begin the process of planning for the post-Phase III future of our properties as soon as possible. No decision has been made with respect to that process itself.

Matt

Matt


I really want to thank you for the time and effort you have given this forum.

It is truly a step in the right direction.

I know how easy it is to get dragged down in this mosh pit of word jazz, but it
is refreshing to see elected officials like yourself, Kevin Butler, and Mayor FitzGerald
take the time and make the effort to listen, read and respond.


.

Thank you Matt for your prompt and forthright answer.
Rhonda

I also want to thank you Matt for keeping us informed and being so approachable. Thanks.

Mr. Markling your tone has seemed to change somewhat since the December public comment meeting. (I was only able to catch BOE comment portion on Cox) Have you discovered a legal work around to keep our surplus buildings out of the hands of the evil charter school people? That should clear the way to close a school (hmm...I wonder which one) without the worry of having the evil charter school literally in the boards backyard.

Remember...A kid is a kid

Bill

Bill Trentel wrote:Mr. Markling your tone has seemed to change somewhat since the December public comment meeting. (I was only able to catch BOE comment portion on Cox) Have you discovered a legal work around to keep our surplus buildings out of the hands of the evil charter school people? That should clear the way to close a school (hmm...I wonder which one) without the worry of having the evil charter school literally in the boards backyard.

Remember...A kid is a kid

Bill

Bill,

I am missing your point. I am simply answering Rhonda's question.

Matt

Bill,

I am missing your point. I am simply answering Rhonda's question.

Matt[/quote]



Mr. Markling,
You seemed to have serious concerns about your (the BOE) ability to dispose of the surplus property without a charter school laying claim.

The reality is it will be 3, 4 or more years before you (the BOE) gets around to liquidating any buildings. I do think the fact you haven't gotten rid of any of the buildings and are actually continuing to use some of them hurts the public perception of the schools fiscal accountability. I think the publics perception and how I remember it being sold was, "vote for the bonds so we can have fewer and newer physical plants and we'll save by not having all these old buildings" I think the public expected Taft, McKinley and Franklin to be gone by now.

Bill

Bill Trentel wrote:You seemed to have serious concerns about your (the BOE) ability to dispose of the surplus property without a charter school laying claim.

Bill,

No. I was simply explaining to my fellow board members that the disposal of property is governed by statute. The law is what the law is. See explanation above.

Matt

Jim O'Bryan wrote:Matt

I really want to thank you for the time and effort you have given this forum.

It is truly a step in the right direction.

I know how easy it is to get dragged down in this mosh pit of word jazz, but it is refreshing to see elected officials like yourself, Kevin Butler, and Mayor FitzGerald take the time and make the effort to listen, read and respond.

Rhonda loje wrote:Thank you Matt for your prompt and forthright answer.
Rhonda

Danielle Masters wrote:I also want to thank you Matt for keeping us informed and being so approachable. Thanks.

Thank you, Jim, Rhonda, and Danielle.

I neglected to concur with the others and I too commend Mr. Markling for being the only board member that I've witnessed to have the courage to engage the public on the online forums or at the public meetings regarding the issues before the board. I know it would be much easier for him to sit back and nod his head and say these are really difficult decisions like the others.
I think we would all be more comfortable with the boards decisions if we saw any signs debate or even discussion in public between the board members. Instead we have four nodding heads and Mr. Markling.

Thank you.
Mr. Markling

I, too, agree with Bill that keeping the old buildings "in use" contradicts the stated purpose of the new building program.

The old buildings were supposedly outdated and very expensive to maintain.

So why, then,are we still maintaining these buildings, particularly when money is so tight?