In November 2022, the community of North Olmsted passed a combined operating levy/bond issue. The bond issue part of this levy is funding the construction of a new elementary school to house all of the preschool through fifth grade students. The new PK-5 grade facility will replace the four remaining elementary schools (Birch, Chestnut, Maple, & Pine).

The State of Ohio is providing a 18% rebate on this construction project which equates to $8.9 million dollars. 

In the spring of 2022 the district put together a Site Selection Task Force. The task force consisted of 45 community members representing various groups in North Olmsted. The goal of the task force was to recommend a site for the new PK-5 grade facility. The Site Selection Task Force met over the course of two months and looked at the district's current sites of Birch, Chestnut, and Pine. The task force reviewed detailed information about these sites and ultimately voted on which site they thought would be best for a new elementary school. The Site Selection Task Force presented at the April 7, 2022 Board of Education Meeting and recommended that the new PK-5 facility be built on the current Birch Elementary property.

Below is a preliminary site plan of the new PK-5 facility. 

Why is the district pursuing one PK-5 facility and not two or more?
The district is pursuing a multiple small schools model in one PK-5 facility with grade appropriate divisions. In addition, it is more cost effective than a two facility plan, which would cost nearly $10 million more to build in the short-term and cost more to maintain in the long-term.



When will the new PK-5 facility be built?
Site work and the design phase would begin in 2022. The architect and construction management service provider, will work with the district, including community input, on design and provide a timeline of when the facility would be completed.



What safeguards are in place to ensure the quality and costs of construction are maintained?
As a public school district, North Olmsted Schools must adhere to specific rules and regulations regarding construction projects. The district is committed to being as cost efficient as possible and will conduct a thorough and value-based search to identify the best architect and the most capable construction management service providers. The construction costs are just estimates and each major component of the construction project will be competitively bid to ensure the district is getting the best pricing.