Claymont City Schools is moving forward with very early plans surrounding the possibility of closing two buildings.
The district would like to take the grades currently in Dennison’s intermediate building and the middle school in Uhrichsville and put them at the high school. A preliminary concept includes around 20 classrooms, a gym, and other auxiliary spaces to make it 5th through 12th grades.
Superintendent Brian Rentsch says they are looking at taking out a loan for the project. During Monday’s Board of Education meeting, a resolution was approved.
“That specific resolution is for the district to go out and seek a loan for a potential project for the district. That potential project could include some closures of some building but a add on to the high school.”
Rentsch previously said the board would use permanent improvement funds to secure the loan and not ask taxpayers for additional dollars. In the meantime, the district switched inside millage, which will cause a $140 property tax increase, per $100,000 valuation, according to the county auditor.
Noting his frustrations at the most recent board meeting was Dennison Mayor Greg DiDonato, saying the district put a combined six million into the two school buildings in recent years, including a new gymnasium.
“And then you announced in August that we may look at closing them in two years. It goes back to my comment what I said in August, superintendent, board members, and mayor Zucal was there, I said you have our heads spinning our here in the public. This moving kids, shuffling kids. What is the game plan and what is the solution.”
Additionally, board members Cyndy Host and Solomon Peters are appointed to a construction committee.
“How much money does it cost, where are we looking for this to happen, what’s in the best interest for the students and layout, selecting the designs and layouts we have available, so that’s what that committee would look at.”
Rentsch notes reducing the number of buildings from five to three will financially help the district following budget changes and reductions at the state level.
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