Patrons of the Solon Community School District (SCSD) were able to get an up close look at the addition to the Intermediate School (SIS) during an open house Monday, October 20. Superintendent Davis Eidahl detailed the $7.5 million project, which was funded by the bond issue voters approved in 2023.
“We added on a competition-sized gymnasium, we added a computer science and robotics room, seven more classrooms for fifth grade, and a special education room along with some open learning spaces and some conference rooms.”
The building, initially completed in 2017, was designed for future expansion, Eidahl said.
“When we built the first addition we designed it as a whole (original portion and new addition). The first addition was $11 million and we used all SAVE (Secure an Advanced Vision for Education) funds (from sales tax revenue). We did not want to dip into any other funds or go through a bond yet, and it (the full building) wasn’t needed yet with the size of our district.”
The decision was made to build the first addition with the knowledge that the second addition was already designed and the infrastructure was already in place for when it would be needed.
“As we saw these developments coming in and existing developments expanding, we felt we’d better get ahead of it so we added this to the bond, so we could accommodate the (anticipated) growth in the community.”
The project was completed in late June and the District received the certificate of occupancy a few weeks prior to the start of the current school year in August.
The additional space allowed the District to bring all of Lakeview Elementary’s third graders to SIS.
“Now SIS houses third through fifth grade, which sets our district up to being to accommodate seven sections across grade levels, we are currently at five, so we have allowed ourselves room for growth as our community (continues to) grow,” said Eidahl.
Class size still remains anywhere from 18-22, which Eidahl was still in a desirable range.
“But now if a grade level would grow faster than another we can easily accommodate with the classroom space we have available, to add sections.”
School board candidates’ meet and greet
In conjunction with the open house incumbent school board members Tim Brown, Megan Laing, and Cassie Rochholz (all running unopposed for reelection) made themselves available during the open house to meet with the district’s patrons and answer questions one-on-one in an informal setting. Board member Dan Coons (also running unopposed) was unable to attend.
Multipurpose facility moves forward
The 2023, $25.5 million bond referendum authorized six projects – a district transportation facility (completed), replacement of the field turf in Spartan Stadium (completed), the SIS addition (completed), renovation of Lakeview Elementary, demolition of the Central Office/ Iowa Street Facility (including the current Community Center) and construction of new District Administration Offices, and construction of a multipurpose (indoor activities) facility.
Superintendent Eidahl said a site has been chosen at the Middle School utilizing green space on the west side of the parking lot. The location not only provides adequate space, but ease of access by middle and high school students during the school day. Parking is also already available for afterschool activities.
“We’re saving on the cost when it comes to grading and paving,” he said. “You never want to use up your green space, but as far as accessibility, we felt that was the perfect spot.”
An architect has been hired and hiring for a contract manager is in progress with approval anticipated during the November meeting of the school board.
“We’ll get rolling on the design and hope to break ground this spring so we can open it next winter.”