FRLS reviews long-term needs

Fort Recovery Local Schools is putting together a long-term plan for repairs at its facilities over the next 25 years.

Fort Recovery School Board heard from architectural firm Garmann Miller of Minster on Monday about facilities at its buildings in need of repair.

The school board hired Garmann Miller in February to perform a facilities assessment on the district’s assets. Superintendent Tony Stahl at the time pointed to the age of both the elementary/middle school and high school buildings and suggested inspections on various elements of school facilities.

Associate principal Andrew Huelsman and project manager and architect Curt South of Garmann Miller shared their findings in a presentation to the board Monday.

Items marked as needing to be repaired in the future at both the high school and elementary/middle school buildings include components of each structure’s heating systems, ventilation and air conditioning units and plumbing.

Garmann Miller also found aspects of the elementary middle school’s exterior walls, chimney and playground, as well as aspects of the high school’s floors and roof, to be in need of repairs in the next 25 years. 

Also, the company suggested resurfacing the track and upgrading stadium lights to LEDs at Barrenbrugge Athletic Park, replacing all doors and converting the stone parking lot to asphalt at the bus barn.

Looking at estimates for repairs needed in the long-term, continued Huelsman, the school district could expect to spend $20 million on the high school building over the next 25 to 30 years.

South noted their estimates are hard costs and are based on OFCC guidelines. Soft costs — they could include architect’s fees or surveys — were not included in Monday’s figures.

Huelsman added next steps in the process involve Garmann Miller working with Stahl to help the district develop a long-term maintenance plan.

Also Monday, the school board learned about a district pep rally Friday held at Barrenbrugge Athletic Park for kindergarteners through high school seniors. In hopes of starting a new tradition, Fort Recovery seniors passed on gifts to kindergarteners on the football field. The event served to symbolize the passing down of school spirit, explained principal Ryan Steinbrunner.

In other business, school board members Don Wendel, Nick Wehrkamp, Greg LeFevre, Sean Kahlig and Mitch Fullenkamp:

•Were reminded school board will meet for its five-year financial forecast at 6 p.m. Nov. 18, with its regular meeting to follow.

•Heard elementary school parent-teacher conferences are slated for Thursday, Nov. 7, and Tuesday, Nov. 12. Parents can sign up for time slots by visiting the elementary school’s page on fortrecoveryschools.org.

•Were informed sixth graders will be going on local factory tours Oct. 30.

•Recognized Fort Recovery girls golf team, which had a perfect record in the Midwest Athletic Conference this year to win the league title for the first time. Coach Jeff Vaughn also earned MAC Coach of the Year honors.

•Heard about plans to shift Fort Recovery High School juniors’ requirements for earning Student OhioMeansJobs Readiness Seals. Plans are to require students to demonstrate 14 skills — reliability, work ethic, punctuality, discipline, teamwork/collaboration, professionalism, learning agility, critical thinking/problem solving, leadership, creativity/innovation, oral and written communication, digital technology, global/intercultural fluency and career management — in school, community and workplace settings.

•Learned about how the district spends its annual $247,000 out of the student wellness and success fund, a resource from the Ohio Department of Education. Dollars are allocated toward partnerships with Mercer County Educational Service Center and Tri County Alcohol Drug Addiction Mental Health Services Board, along with pay for the school district’s psychologist and benefits and salaries for school guidance counselors.

•Heard Ohio state representative Angie King sent Fort Recovery Local Schools a letter congratulating the district on receiving a five-star rating on its state report card for the 2023-24 school year.

•Approved the following: junior high and high school sports admission prices as established by the Midwest Athletic Conference and season ticket prices for the current school year; an athletic contract with high school track assistant coach Kierra Wendel for the current school year; hiring Abby Timmerman as a van driver for the current school year; a leave of absence for Clint Kremer during the current school year; the district gifted education plan for the current school year; an overnight field trip May 9 through May 10 for Fort Recovery Band members at Great Wolf Lodge in Mason, Ohio; paying a $95 invoice from Otis Elevator.

•OK’d Matthew Roessner as a volunteer indoor track coach for the current school year.

•Accepted donations, including $793.90 from different donors for cheerleading.