News Summary
The Belpre City Schools Board of Education has appointed Elford Inc. as the construction manager at risk for a $45.7 million project to develop a new campus. This decision, supported by a 4-1 vote, reflects the board’s commitment to enhancing educational facilities. The community has responded positively, and district officials have assured that the project is on track despite potential external delays. Additionally, the board discussed ticket prices for athletic events and reported an increase in participation in the free lunch program, signaling robust community support for the schools.
Belpre City – The Belpre City Schools Board of Education has appointed Elford Inc., a construction company based in Columbus, as the construction manager at risk for a significant $45.7 million bond project aimed at developing a new campus. The decision passed with a 4-1 vote, with one board member expressing a personal preference for a different company without any direct criticism of Elford Inc.
The appointment marks a pivotal moment for the Belpre City Schools as they progress towards building a state-of-the-art educational facility, which has been met with positive feedback from the community. Acknowledging the competitive selection process, another board member emphasized appreciation for the presentations from all vying companies and the constructive community reception regarding the proposed new facility.
In light of concerns regarding potential delays due to external factors such as tariffs, District Treasurer Lance Erlwein reassured residents that the project is on track and progressing as planned. Erlwein confirmed that the bond sales for the project have recently closed, with proceeds set to be accessible by early September, specifically earmarked for financing the new building.
In addition to the construction project, the school board addressed various matters during their latest meeting, including the approval of ticket prices for the upcoming 2025-2026 athletic season. Family passes will cost $175, adult passes will be available for $60, and discounts for students, senior citizens, and veterans are set at $25. Individual event pricing has also been established, with admission set at $6 for adults and $4 for students, senior citizens, and veterans for all sporting events.
The district’s free lunch program has seen a notable increase in participation, with Superintendent Greenley reporting an estimated uptick of 40-50 meals served on the first day of the program compared to the previous year. This increase is viewed as a promising sign of community engagement and support for school initiatives.
Superintendent Greenley also highlighted a successful start to the school year, emphasizing an invigorating atmosphere across both school buildings. The excitement among students and staff alike suggests a positive and collaborative educational environment moving forward.
Another significant item discussed during the board meeting was a generous donation of $12,705 from the Belpre Area Community Development Foundation. This contribution is intended to support the high school student council’s participation in the upcoming State Leadership Conference, showcasing community investment in student development and leadership opportunities.
As the Belpre City Schools continue to evolve and expand, the recent decisions made by the school board reflect a commitment to enhancing educational facilities, increasing student services, and fostering community involvement. The anticipated campus project is poised to significantly impact local education and the overall environment for students and staff in the near future.
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Additional Resources
- Marietta Times: Belpre District Approves Construction Company
- Wikipedia: Belpre, Ohio
- News and Sentinel: Belpre City Schools Approves Firm
- Google Search: Belpre City Schools
- WTAP: Belpre City Schools Announce Updates
- Google Scholar: Belpre City Schools Building Project
- WTAP: Belpre Board Education Discusses School Construction
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Buckeye
- News and Sentinel: Belpre BOE Ready to Move Forward
- Google News: Belpre Ohio School News
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