District Superintendent Christine Trampe (with microphone) discussed the $39-million referendum and why it’s necessary on Nov. 17.
The Mantua school district hosted an open forum on its upcoming bond referendum at Sewell Elementary School on Nov. 17 to discuss why the measure is so necessary.
Should the $39-million referendum be approved in a Dec. 9 vote, the district’s three elementary schools – Sewell, Centre City and J. Mason Tomlin – will see upgrades to their HVAC, roofs, ceilings, playground resurfaces and new security systems. Most of the renovations would be for Sewell Elementary.
The referendum would support demolishing the school’s castle wing and replacing it with four new kindergarten classrooms, a conference room and additional bathrooms. The wing, which dates back to 1912, is in bad condition and not ADA compliant. It is also not classified as a state historic site.
Photos showcasing the wing area’s damage were shown at the forum and were followed by a tour of Sewell Elementary.
“It does impact our instruction,” said Principal Katelyn Donocoff. “When it rains, it smells very musty. We have perpetual HVAC issues up in the castle (wing). It’s constant, it’s on a day-to-day basis. We have had to displace classrooms, classes of kids and teachers, to different parts of the building so that instruction can continue because of problems with the temperature, problems with the smells.
“This is just another day at Sewell School; it’s kind of our norm at some point.”
The building would also get an addition that would provide seven more preschool classrooms and a small group interaction room. A new parking lot near the main office will be added with improved drainage and lighting to existing lots. Constructions at all locations will be handled by Garrison Architects.
The principals of Centre City and JMT also spoke at the forum on issues facing their schools. The existing roof of Centre City will be renovated, exterior doors will be upgraded and more security cameras and lighting will be added.
“Our property is huge, and we are surrounded by homes, which is wonderful” noted Centre City Principal Jennifer Cavalieri. “But that blessing is also a curse, as we have so much property and not enough lighting and cameras to keep a watchful eye on it. One of the issues facing us is the vandalism to our property.”
JMT has issues with certain play areas and with the building’s boilers.
“They are very old and they don’t work efficiently at all,” explained Principal Christine Connelly. “Obviously when the heat is inconsistent, the classroom temperatures become really uncomfortable. Sometimes too hot, sometimes too cold, and that really does make it difficult for learning.”
The cost of the referendum includes $8.9 million from state aid and $1 million from the district’s capital contribution. That leaves $29.2 million for taxpayers. A home assessed at Mantua’s average of $311,293 would get a tax increase of $28 a month.
The referendum vote on Tuesday, Dec. 9 will take place at Mantua Fire District 1 from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
