Members of the United Local school board recently came together on Wednesday afternoon to delve into the possible schematic options for their eagerly awaited new school that is currently under construction. This significant undertaking holds great importance for the future of the educational institution and its students. (Photo by Stephanie Ujhelyi)

The Significance of the Decision-Making Process

As the K-12 building project marches forward, United Local School District board members were made aware on Wednesday afternoon that crucial decisions needed to be made. During the special meeting dedicated to this project, district Superintendent Lance Hostetler informed board members, with Ruth Ann Rinto absent due to illness, that SHP Architects would be presenting cost estimates for the various alternates they were considering. Time was of the essence as they needed to finalize these details.He distributed a comprehensive summary update printout of the connector and alteration project, which included a detailed breakdown of timelines and the scope of work involved. The project calls for the preservation of the existing elevator shaft and stairwell from floors one to two, along with the addition of a new stairwell to provide access to the new third floor.There is an extensive discussion underway regarding the most effective way to attach the old portion of the existing building, which consists of the auditorium and competition gym, to the new structure. If they choose to do it internally, the cost of a sprinkler system must be taken into account, which could potentially be a financial burden.Hostetler reminded the board that an alternate route might be to simply connect the corridor with an overhang roof without walls, although this was not the preferred option. Board members expressed their concern about parents who might be on campus at night for multiple events and having to go outside to get around. This is something they are keen to address.If the board decides to prioritize a new HVAC system to replace the 26-year-old one, United Local will construct a modern concession stand conveniently located between the gymnasium and auditorium for use during extracurricular activities. The new three-story building will feature a new retrofitted elevator cap and equipment, a new entry vestibule at the second floor to the east, new group restrooms to serve the existing gym, and new preschool classrooms at the northwest side, with one bathroom per classroom.After a quick tour of the existing building where the potential impact would be most felt, the board members decided to attend Friday's 2 p.m. Zoom meeting with the architect to obtain specific cost figures. They understand that they want the best of everything, but may have to explore more affordable options due to budget constraints.The nearly $50 million project was funded through $28,970,346 in state funding approved by the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission, with the remaining $20,131,935 coming from revenue generated by the Nexus gas pipeline and compression station within the district. Construction began in summer 2024, and they hope to open the new building in the next school year.

The Challenges and Considerations

One of the major challenges faced by the board is finding the right balance between quality and cost. Preserving the existing elevator shaft and stairwell is essential for accessibility, but the addition of a new stairwell comes with its own set of costs. The discussion about attaching the old and new buildings internally versus using an overhang roof without walls highlights the need for careful consideration of both functionality and financial implications.Parents' convenience during evening events is also a significant concern. The board is committed to ensuring that parents do not have to navigate through the campus in inclement weather or have to go outside unnecessarily. This has led to a thorough exploration of different options to meet their needs.The decision to replace the 26-year-old HVAC system is a crucial one. A new HVAC system will not only improve the comfort of the students and staff but also contribute to the overall energy efficiency of the building. The construction of a new concession stand between the gymnasium and auditorium will enhance the extracurricular experience for students and parents alike.

The Funding and Timeline

The nearly $50 million cost of the project is a significant financial undertaking. The state funding of $28,970,346 approved by the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission provides a substantial portion of the funds, while the revenue generated by the Nexus gas pipeline and compression station within the district covers the remaining amount. This careful allocation of funds ensures that the project can move forward smoothly.The start of construction in summer 2024 and the target of opening the new building in the next school year demonstrate the board's commitment to providing a state-of-the-art educational facility for the students. The timeline is tight, but with careful planning and execution, they are confident that the project will be completed on schedule.

The Impact on the Existing Building

The tour of the existing building revealed the areas where the most significant impact would occur. The decision to keep the elevator shaft and stairwell while adding a new one will require careful coordination during the construction process to minimize disruptions to the daily operations of the school.The potential loss of the current concession stand space has led to the design of a new, modern concession stand that will serve as a focal point during extracurricular activities. This shows the board's attention to detail and their commitment to providing a seamless experience for students and parents.In conclusion, the United Local School's new building project is a complex undertaking that requires careful consideration of various factors. The board's decision-making process, along with the careful planning and execution, will ensure the success of the project and the provision of a high-quality educational environment for the students.

Recently, residents in the metro area have been witnessing a significant increase in red traffic lights and headlights during their commutes home. This is due to the commencement of MDOT's Highway 80 bridge project and the ongoing I-55 work. The impact on local traffic has been quite noticeable.

Speeding Up Traffic with MDOT's Efforts

On Wednesday, MDOT, in collaboration with the city of Jackson, took a proactive step to address the traffic congestion. They initiated the process of speeding up traffic lights on local roads, aiming to facilitate the smooth flow of traffic. This initiative is expected to provide some relief to commuters.The work on the Highway 80 bridge started on December 2nd. MDOT is set to install a new bridge deck, railing, and new steel girder spans. This comprehensive bridge rehabilitation project is anticipated to be completed within approximately nine months. During this period, MDOT has implemented a detour route, directing traffic from State Street to I-20 and then to Highway 49.For the I-55 project, a hydro-demolition work on both I-55 bridges over the Pearl River began in October. While the project is expected to be completed early next year, the weather conditions this winter might cause a delay until early Spring.

Safety Reminders during Construction

MDOT is well aware of the traffic issues and is constantly working on finding more solutions. In the meantime, they have emphasized the importance of safety while driving near these projects. There is a flurry of activities in the Metro area, with MDOT, the city, and the county all engaged in their respective works. This, although beneficial in the long run, can lead to slower commutes. Therefore, it is advisable for everyone to leave a little earlier if possible. Driving slowly and staying alert when passing through work zones is crucial. Above all, putting the phone down and focusing on the road is of utmost importance.

Access to Project Information

For those seeking more information about these projects and detours, they can click here. MDOT's social media accounts also provide regular updates on the progress of these works. By staying informed, commuters can better plan their routes and anticipate any potential delays.In conclusion, while these projects are essential for the development of the area, they do pose some challenges in terms of traffic. By following the safety guidelines and staying updated, commuters can navigate through these construction zones more smoothly.