Frequently Asked Questions

Commonly asked questions about master planning and the district's efforts.

How did the buildings get so bad? Did the District ignore repairs?

No, in fact, the opposite is true. District maintenance staff continue to do their best to keep the schools safe and in the best shape possible. This includes spending thousands of dollars each year on basic and “Band-Aid” repairs to expensive, outdated systems that no longer function efficiently. However, due to space shortages and the building's effective lifespan, most repairs are no longer enough. The high/middle school and 5 elementary schools are not ADA accessible. The district uses every square foot in each of the buildings. Continuing to spend money on repairs and makeshift modifications is not the best use of District dollars. The most cost efficient, fiscally responsible action is to consider a long term facility plan that accommodates the district for the next 75 years.

What is a Facilities Master Plan?

The facilities master plan is a long-term facility improvement plan that provides clear direction as to how New Philadelphia City Schools should address its facility improvement needs of our current AND future students. 

What is wrong with our current buildings?

Our current schools were designed for learning in a different era. Modern education is hampered by our aging facilities. Facilities Master Plans address the needs of the district now and well into the future. As the costs associated with operating and maintaining aging buildings continues to rise. Building assessments were conducted by the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC), the outcome of which recommended replacing those buildings instead of renovating them. So the district is working with community members, educators and design and construction professionals to better understand how to solve the facility issues in the district. 

Why did the Facilities Planning Committee recommend new buildings rather than renovating our existing schools?

The Ohio Facilities Construction (OFCC) had a team of architects and engineers evaluate our school buildings and recommended them for replacement due to their study findings which outlined major replacement needed for many systems of infrastructure. In addition to this information, the Quaker Spirit Facilities Improvement Committee studied the existing sizes, layouts, type of spaces and grade arrangement in our school buildings. They found that our school buildings do not meet today’s delivery model for education, and many spaces that are common in new schools are completely absent in our schools. Even with renovations to the building systems and materials, the existing layout and sizes of the building spaces would not change.

If the students are going to remain in their existing schools while new schools are being built on the same site, how are we going to keep them safe?

Constructing a new educational facility on the same site as an operating existing school is a common approach for many districts. However, safety and security are paramount and a thoughtful comprehensive approach is required to ensure the safety and security of students and staff. While each project presents its own unique set of challenges, there is a “best practices” approach to construction on such a site. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Construction fencing

• Jersey barriers

• Separate contractor and material delivery entrances

• Daily communication with principals on construction activities for the day

• Development of a security plan and clear understanding of authorized areas of work

• Background checks for all workers on site

Are there floor plans for the new PreK-6 facility and when will they be released?

After the earned income tax levy passes, an architect will be engaged to design the building. Due to design costs, it would not be economically responsible to pay for these services before funds are available. This is the typical process for school construction. This design process includes engagements with the community and district staff to ensure the new school will meet the needs of the district and students.

If the earned income tax levy passes and the new PreK-6 is built, does that mean the district is moving away from “grade banding” in their schools?

One of the benefits of building a centralized PreK-6 facility is that district staff and students can be consolidated in a single facility. This single facility will streamline the district’s ability to share educational resources among grade levels, promote collaboration among staff and students and enhance safety and security since there will be only 1 facility to maintain. This is often a better solution for many families since it minimizes the physical transitions a student must go through adjusting to a new building while also simplifying student transportation. 

Will our new buildings be sustainable or feature any alternative energy components?

The new schools will be LEED Silver Certified. Typically in new school construction, the architect uses design features that have a big impact on the indoor environment and energy consumption. For example, indoor air quality is improved through the use of low-emitting materials that contain no or low amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are carbon compounds that become a gas at normal room temperatures and contribute to air pollution directly and through atmospheric photochemical reactions, and produce secondary air pollutants such as ozone and peroxyacetyl nitrate. Most new schools concentrate on using adhesives, sealants, paints, carpets, and composite wood throughout the building that are low-emitting. For energy and utility consumptions, the HVAC system will be energy efficient, provide the required fresh air requirements, and control the humidity to create a healthy and comfortable air quality. Additionally, water consumption is reduced significantly through the use of low-flow fixtures and other measures. During the design and construction process there are a variety of “credits” the district can choose from to achieve LEED Silver Certification. Once the project enters design, the architects, engineers, and school district hold an “Eco-Charrette” to determine which credits will be chosen to be incorporated into the project.  

When will the new buildings open?

Once the earned income tax levy passes, the district must hire the design architect and construction manager at risk (CMR). This process can take 3-6 months. Once hired, the design timeline for a new building typically takes around 15 months and the physical construction would take 2-2.5 years.