The Eastern Local School District is excited to announce two upcoming projects in the district. The most significant project will take place at Russellville Elementary. There will also be a project taking place at Sardinia Elementary.
The ELSD is excited to share that these projects will be funded with federal grant dollars and no additional local tax dollars. The federal government has issued three rounds of relief funding to Ohio school districts in response to the coronavirus pandemic, which many school districts, including the ELSD, consider to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to address the health and safety of district students. The most recent round—created by the American Rescue Plan and referred to as ESSER III or ARP ESSER—is the largest round so far and made $4.5 billion available to Ohio school districts.
The ELSD has selected DS2 architects for the project based on their statement of qualifications. Construction meetings will regularly take place to develop the scope of the project. The ELSD construction team consists of (2) ELSD Board of Education members, the ELSD administration (Superintendent/Treasurer/Principals/Technology director/facilities supervisor/ director of special programs), and the project architect (DS2).
In summary, ARP ESSER funds have provided school districts with a unique opportunity to address some of their existing facilities needs to enhance the health and safety of district students. The ELSD is excited to take advantage of the availability of federal grant dollars to fund these projects.
Project Team:
Architect and Engineers- DS2
9-20-23
Bids were due for the construction project at Russellville Elementary on September 20, 2023. No bids for the project were received. There were bidders interested in bidding but they did not have a bid that fell within 10% of the cost estimate. The Construction team will meet again to determine the next steps.
8-17-23
Project update:
The ELSD authorized the revision to bid specifications and estimate for rebidding addition and alterations to Russellville Elementary
8-9-23
Project update:
At this point there has unfortunately been a lack of bidders for our project. The district did receive one bid, which was rejected by the ELSD BOE at the July meeting, as it did not fall within 10% of the project estimate, which is a requirement. At this point the district plans to rebid the project with hopes to secure an acceptable bid that falls within the 10% threshold. This allows us to remain fiscally responsible with the amount of federal grant dollars the district has available for the project.
ELSD Project Goals
Russellville Elementary:
The main focus for Russellville elementary will include adding space for mental health services and other health related services. Adding these new spaces will require a renovated front entrance to Russellville Elementary. Fortunately, this will create a more secure entrance to the school building and create a safer environment for students and staff. The project will include additional parking in the front of the building and additional sidewalks for ingress and egress.
We have received the final plans for the project as well as the spec book for the bidding process. The construction team and the board will be reviewing it in preparations for the May BOE meeting, at which time it will be on the docket for approval. Following this, advertisements for the bidding process will go out and the process will begin for accepting a bid and getting a contract in place with the hope for construction to begin in June.
Sardinia Elementary:
The main focus for Sardinia Elementary will be adding additional space for mental health services and other health related services.
Federal grant guidelines require that projects be completed by September 2024.
FAQ’s
Why is the district doing a building project?
ESSER ARP funds have provided school districts with a unique opportunity to address some of their existing facilities needs while promoting the health and safety of district students. The federal government has issued three rounds of relief funding to Ohio school districts in response to the coronavirus pandemic, which many school district leaders consider a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to address some of their facilities needs as identified by the ELSD Construction Team.
What will happen if the RES front entrance project is still going on at the start of the 23-24 school year?
The ELSD has made plans to accommodate construction during the school day/year, while maintaining the safety of students and staff. This project will almost certainly carry over into next school year. Pertinent information will be shared prior to the start of the school year.
Will my taxes go up from this building project?
The ELSD is excited to share that these projects will be funded with federal grant dollars and no additional local tax dollars.
How are project decisions being made?
Project decisions are made by the ELSD construction team. This is a collaborative effort between the ELSD Board of Education, Administration, staff, community members, and the project architect (DS2).
How will parents and community members receive project updates?
Parents and community members can visit https://www.elsd.us/BuildingProject.aspx for project updates and any new information. This district will utilize email via final forms to communicate when necessary as well.
What is ESSER?
Under the ESSER Fund, established as part of the Education Stabilization Fund in the CARES Act, State educational agencies (SEAs) will award subgrants to local educational agencies (LEAs) to address the impact that the Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has had, and continues to have, on elementary and secondary schools across the Nation
How is the ELSD spending their ESSER funds in comparison to other school districts?