Students are learning in trailers, converted locker rooms, hallways, and overcrowded classrooms. As we approach a teacher-student ratio of 30:1 in a class, it is becoming more difficult to provide the quality of instruction that has been provided for the children in the past.
The bond issue plan for accommodating growth in the district was months in the making. After the defeat of a bond issue in February 2005, the district decided to create a new plan representing the interests of all Little Miami communities. Six community committees were formed that month to address the district’s operations.
The 20-member facilities committee evaluated the current school buildings, focused on options for accommodating enrollment growth and revised the Facilities Master Plan. The new plan is equitable for every child and community in the Little Miami School District and makes a commitment to keep and renovate the current buildings. This plan is a bridge between the future and past, recognizing each community's history and pride in its neighborhood while maintaining a high level of instruction as we deal with increased enrollment.
The plan creates additional space to house 5,200 students district wide and renovate the existing facilities with the ability to easily increase capacity to 6,000 students, and provides flexibility in planning for the future. By using phased planning, district needs are met regardless of the growth rate. The community will be engaged prior to Phase II of new construction to examine community values and future planning.
After receiving support from the Little Miami community at the polls, the school district immediately went to work. Quandel/Dugan &Meyers, LLC was selected as Construction Manager, and Steed, Hammond, and Paul, and Voorhis, Slone, Welsh, and Crossland were chosen as Project Architects.
Because community involvement was integral in developing the plan, the district knew community input was crucial in implementing the plan. The district formed community committees in the Summer of 2006 – Facilities Advisory Team, School Design Teams and Function and Discipline Teams.
The Facilities Advisory Team provides assistance to the school board on overall design approach, helps prioritize difficult choices, and ensures the community is represented throughout the entire construction project.
The school design teams – one each for the High School addition, new Junior High School, new Intermediate School, and Welch Road complex – provided input into the final design of each facility by providing the architects with clear direction that could be transformed into detailed drawings. Four discipline teams – transportation, athletics, technology and food service and maintenance – established district wide principles to guide construction and renovation designs.
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