Supporters rally for new Dover High School
Critics argue that renovating the current school at 520 N. Walnut St. at Dover would cost less and be a smarter choice at this time. Members of the committee and local residents disagree and say the construction of a new school on the north end of town would be a better value and serve the needs of the community for decades to come.
The Our School, Our Choice committee is co-chaired by Ron Barkett, Jennifer Jones and Mike Lauber, all of Dover.
The Ohio School Facilities Commission (OSFC) conducted an assessment in 2008 of the current structure and rated it poor in regard to location, structural and mechanical features, maintainability, educational adequacy and educational environment. The rating of borderline was given to the safety and security of the building.
The inspection found damaged asbestos-containing fireproofing, mold growth, water intrusion throughout the building, major roof leaks throughout the building, bat excrement in the attic, an inadequate number of restroom facilities and numerous fire and safety code violations. The complete report is available on the Dover Code Red website.
The OSFC placed Dover High School number one in the state on the exceptional needs list.
"Bob Hamm said to me, we still have to educate people in this building and they're going to say holy cow. Well, we need people to say holy cow," said Mike Lauber.
The OSFC has offered Dover High School $9.4 million through their Exceptional Needs Program, a building replacement program designed to help districts protect the health and safety of students and faculty. In recent years 28 schools in six counties surrounding Tuscarawas have utilized taxpayer dollars through the OSFC Exceptional Needs Program.
"We are getting a 20 percent discount on the cost of constructing a new building. That is a lot of money. Eight years ago the taxpayers said no to renovation of the Fifth Street wing, primarily because they wanted the state funds that everybody else was getting," said Ron Barkett. "It's our turn. They're here."
The location of the proposed school was chosen for its availability of necessary acreage, construction site feasibility, site prep costs, ease of access and visibility. "Many sites were considered; 17 different sites inside the city of Dover. This site is on the edge of town but please remind people you talk to that every school building in Dover was built on the edge of town when it was first built," said Barkett.
The proposed site on Wooster Ave. is the former Streb Farm and is approximately 2.7 miles from the current school location and is adjacent to the village of Parral.
The proposed school will cost $47.4 million, with $9.4 million coming from the OSFC. According to Larry Lindberg, the Tuscarawas County auditor, the owner of a $100,000 home would be required to pay an additional $211 annually or $18 a month to fund the 33-year, 6.9 mill bond issue.
The cost of renovating the existing structure has been estimated at more than $30 million, costing the owner of a $100,000 home $14 per month. The committee stressed that renovation may not produce the results expected in meeting modern instruction and technology demands. Renovation does not address the site limitations, safety and security issues and does not allow for adaptability and growth.
"Ninety-eight years ago this March, there was a devastating flood. There was a lot of water in downtown Dover. It wiped out the majority of the businesses. Homes were flooded out, ruined. People died. That was the great flood of 1913. That November, Dover voters went to the polls and voted four to one to build a new high school. Unbelievable," said Lauber. "1938 was the worst year for the state of Ohio during the depression and yet that November voters went to the polls and voted overwhelmingly for matching money to support the WPA dollars to build the Walnut Street wing of the school. They didn't settle for the easy choice and we can't now either."
Superintendent Robert Hamm said one additional bus route will be added to accommodate students that require transportation to and from school. "Even with this additional route we will still have fewer routes than we did five or six years ago. The routes change annually. Transportation will not be an issue," said Hamm.
"On a good day, maybe 25 kids walk to school," said Michael Gunther, a Dover High School language arts teacher.
In addition to the state of Ohio's recommendations, the proposed school will also feature additional classrooms to allow for growth, an auditorium, physical education, media and technology facilities and adequate music rehearsal and storage space, which the state's recommendations did not include.
Of the nearly 80 people in attendance, not one voiced opposition to the proposed new school.
Published: August 21, 2011
