Kindergartners present compost project
Ridgemont Board of Education members approved at their Thursday evening meeting a bid package for the demolition of the former elementary school building in Mt. Victory school and partial demolition of the former junior high and high school building in Ridgeway.
This approval allows the treasurer to solicit bids for the work. Members will review bids in March and accept bids in late March or early April, district officials report.
Ridgemont opened its new pre-K through 12 school building this school year in Mt. Victory, but the district continues to utilize a portion of the Ridgeway facility for extracurricular activities.
The decision to pursue the demolition of the buildings was made in May after extensive work seeking community input and considering other possible uses for the building. Board members released a statement at the January 2016 meeting reiterating the reason for their decision for the demolition of the buildings.
“With recent questions regarding the future of the Mt. Victory building, the board has re-examined the reasons we voted for demolition.
“With nearly $3 million dollars in renovation costs to upgrade the former elementary school and almost $50,000 in annual utility costs, the board of education is confident that moving forward with the original plans for abatement and demolition are in the best interests of our community for the long term.
“We believe we must be good stewards of what we have and selling a building that is in extreme need of repair to anyone without millions of dollars to preserve it, would be detrimental to our community.”
Also during the meeting, kindergarten teacher Cathy Lowery, along with kindergartners Jaxon Stuck, Ella Manns, and Daniel Robinson presented their cross-curriculum service learning project on composting. The initiative has been conducted in conjunction with a grant awarded by the North Central Ohio Solid Waste District for district teachers in grades K-3.
Ridgemont kindergarten teacher Cathy Lowery, along with kindergartners Jaxon Stuck, Ella Manns, and Daniel Robinson present information about their compost project at the board of education meeting. (PHOTO | RIDGEMONT SCHOOLS)
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