Norwalk board moves new school project forward

NORWALK — Norwalk Schools' board of education approved the next step in the district's new school construction project Tuesday, advancing the design process as officials prepare to begin construction later this year. Board members approved the schematic design phase during Tuesday's meeting. It follows its prior approval of the schematic footprint at its February meeting and allows the district to begin obtaining more precise construction costs. Superintendent Brad Cooley said the district is satisfied with the current plans. "We're very pleased where we're at right now," Cooley said. "We're going to have an awesome school that's going to serve our kids very well for many years." The project is part of a plan estimated at about $100 million, with roughly $52 million coming from the state through the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission. District officials have said they hope to break ground this summer. Funding adjustments approved The board also approved a funding adjustment tied to the project's locally funded portions. Treasurer Joyce Dupont said the district had an estimated $331,741 overage during the design phase. To cover the cost, the district shifted money previously planned for a road connection between the middle school property and the new school site. Because the road is no longer part of the plan, those funds were moved to the construction budget. Officials said the district still has about $450,000 available within the project budget, though final costs will not be known until bids are received. Transportation costs discussed Board members also discussed the need to replace aging buses. The district may purchase four to six buses, including a wheelchair-accessible bus. Officials said buying several buses at once could lower financing costs. Because the state does not fund school buses, the district must cover the cost from its own budget. The discussion comes as the district continues working toward about $1 million in budget reductions discussed at a recent financial work session. Administrators said savings tied to staff retirements and other changes have already helped the district exceed that target. Financial report The board also reviewed the district's February financial report. Property valuation within the district increased by about $4.4 million, resulting in modest increases in projected tax revenue: • About $124,000 in general property tax revenue• About $19,000 in bond tax revenue• About $7,000 in permanent improvement tax revenue Officials said the district's food service fund is currently negative but expected to improve once federal reimbursements arrive. Booster groups highlight support Earlier in the meeting, leaders from the district's academic, athletic and music booster groups outlined fundraising efforts that support student activities. Athletic Boosters reported contributing $360,000 toward stadium improvements, $200,000 for tennis courts and committing $1 million toward expansion of the Regan Center training facility. Music Boosters said they recently funded $68,000 in new band uniforms. Academic Boosters described programs that include recognition events for honor roll students and scholarships for graduating seniors. District leaders said booster fundraising helps offset costs that would otherwise come from the district's general fund. Personnel updates The board also accepted two teacher retirements and approved several personnel changes, including the hiring of a school psychologist and transportation staff. Officials also announced internal administrative moves tied to the retirements. Board members also approved the district's 2026–27 school calendar, a therapy services contract and updated board policies before adjourning.