Frequently Asked Questions
Commonly asked questions about this project. As we recieve more input from our stakeholders, we will add to this section.
What kind of technological facilities are being included in the high school? (E.G.: computer labs, audio/visual labs.)
Spaces in the building are “technology rich” and designed to support a variety of teaching methods and multimedia curriculum. Classrooms are state of the art and equipped with electrical and data ports along with upgraded Wi-Fi connections. Technology labs, such as computer labs and audio/visual labs are included in building programming which will be spread throughout the building.
Will the design of the school take sufficient consideration for any future growth of the North Ridgeville community and neighboring areas?
The current design process will take into account current enrollment, as well as future growth of the North Ridgeville community. The building program is developed through an extensive master planning process that considers historical enrollment data from 10 years ago, and projects future enrollment 10 years into the future. While it is impossible to account for every change in enrollment, these projections are accurate.
Student safety and security are essential. How is this design providing additional safety measures, while remaining welcoming?
Responsible student security and safety techniques do not mean compromised building aesthetics. Techniques used that promote student safety and security include providing clear visibility to the front entry, good interior and exterior lighting, proper placement of security cameras, eliminating blindspots on the property and a secure vestibule to receive visitors. These are all methods that enhance security and do not compromise building aesthetics.
What are the plans for current high school building?
Once construction of the new high school is complete, the school district is planning to abate and demolish the existing high school.
Will construction supply shortages, delays and inflation, impact the construction of the new high school?
The "Construction Manager at Risk" or (CMR) will manage all facets of construction throughout the project. Once the school design is finalized, the CMR issues a "Guaranteed Maximum Price" (GMP) for the design. This sets the maximum cost for the District, and the CMR assumes the risk for any future price increases. GMP's, which are common in school construction, ensure that rising prices during construction don't prevent the District from finishing the school. The selected CMR will have extensive experience in educational construction, and they were involved in the initial price estimates. The supply chain issues present throughout the country are continually evolving. We will continue to monitor availability and lead times for materials and building components, and work to mitigate impacts.
What was included in the Master Facilities Plan?
As part of the Master Facilities Plan, we will:
A new 300,000+ SF high school to replace the aging, and undersized building. It will be located on the same site as the existing high school.
An attached auditorium to support arts programming
A transportation center for bussing and maintenance
Will the maintenance building remain where it currently sits?
The Master Facilities Plan relocates and constructs the transportation center in a different location. The final location hasn't yet been decided.
Will spaces in the new high school be ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant?
ADA compliance refers to a site, facility, or work environment that is easy to approach, enter, operate, participate in, and/or use safely and with dignity by a person with a disability. During design of the building, architects follow all local building codes, the Ohio Schools Design Manual (OSDM), as well as current ADA regulations. Due to this, the building will be handicap accessible to all visitors, students and staff. This will include navigating the interior of the building, as well as site accessibility features.
Where can we see site plans or renderings for the new facilities?
Currently, the team is in the design phase of the new high school project. During this time, architects are engaging with district staff, stakeholders and the community to best understand what spaces will go into the building and how it will be laid out. As the process progresses, the team will progressively refine more of these areas. Estimations are performed at key points to ensure the design is on budget. As more of these details are confirmed throughout the process, the district will be ready to present plans, renderings and interior animations of the new school.
Which school departments will be consulted with as the new high school is being designed?
Architects from ThenDesign Architecture engage with all departments at the high school throughout the design process to best understand the needs of staff for the new building. Using this feedback, designers lay out the new building plans to satisfy the needs of the district working within the established project budget. To understand challenges of the existing high school, and an overall direction for the design, view the Educational Visioning Report that was developed early in the design process.