Avon Lake Schools looks to hire architecture firm for facilities plan

AVON LAKE — Avon Lake Schools officials plan to take the next step in a process that could eventually lead to new buildings being constructed within the district. The district intends to negotiate an agreement with Dublin-based architecture firm Fanning Howey to provide design professional services for what is being referred to as a districtwide improvements project. Superintendent Bob Scott said Tuesday that a facilities planning committee has been meeting since May to explore possibilities for the future of Avon Lake Schools' buildings. "The main focus is the elementary schools and Learwood (Middle School). Really, everything that is kindergarten through eighth grade is being looked at," Scott said. "That's why it is important that we get the architects now, because a lot of the stuff we've done has been research-based," he said. "And we really need experts to come in and look at the buildings we have, look at the land we have, talk to the committee about configurations." Avon Lake Schools continues to see an increase in student enrollment. Scott said the district typically grows by about 50 students each year, and there are multiple subdivisions planned that are certain to bring more school-age children to Avon Lake in the coming years. Scott said the district is "pretty tight now" in terms of space for students. Additionally, there have been days when all the elementary schools and Learwood Middle School, which lack air conditioning, have been closed due to excessive heat. As the buildings age, upkeep of roofs, boilers and other items become more of a factor, Scott said. He said Fanning Howey is well known for its expertise with school buildings and is the same firm that worked on renovations to Avon Lake High School in 2000. "They're going to look at all those pieces of parts and what's the configuration of the schools, how much each building would cost," Scott said. It is expected that Fanning Howey's work on a viable facility plan will take about one year. When the plan is ready, Scott said it will be presented to the community. At that point, the Board of Education will have to decide if or when to place a bond issue on the ballot for the construction of facilities. The facilities planning committee that has discussed the buildings' future is made up of 14 teachers, 12 parents and community members, seven administrators, two support staff and two board of education members. There are plans to expand the committee as the project advances into future stages, according to a recent presentation from the group. Avon Lake Schools is far down on the list for funding through the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission, and it would be years before the district could access the funds, Scott said. Plus, it would be a small percentage of the cost and the district would have to adhere to the OFCC's design rules if they sought the money. "We need to be able to decide what people locally want, and build that," Scott said. Contact Dylan Reynolds at (440) 329-7123 or dreynolds@chroniclet.com.