News Summary
The Belpre City Schools Board of Education has appointed Elford Inc. as the construction manager for a $45.7 million campus expansion. The decision, made with a 4-1 vote, has received positive community feedback, signaling support for the district’s modernization efforts. Bond sales for the project have closed, ensuring funding is on schedule. Additionally, the board approved ticket prices for the upcoming athletic season and noted the success of a free lunch program that saw increased engagement in the new school year. Community support remains strong with recent donations to enhance student initiatives.
Belpre, Ohio
The Belpre City Schools Board of Education has taken significant steps toward a major new development project, officially appointing Elford Inc., a construction firm based in Columbus, as the construction manager for a $45.7 million campus expansion. The appointment was approved by a vote of 4-1, with only one board member dissenting.
Key Decision and Community Response
The board’s decision to select Elford Inc. marks a crucial milestone in the district’s efforts to modernize its facilities. The lone dissenting vote was cast by a board member who expressed a personal preference for an alternative company. However, the rest of the board members commended the transparency of the bidding and presentation process. Community feedback regarding the upcoming campus has been positive, with many expressing enthusiasm for the new learning environment.
Project Timeline and Financial Updates
District officials confirmed that the bond sales associated with the project have successfully closed. The proceeds from these bonds are scheduled to be available by early September and are earmarked specifically for the construction efforts. Reassuring the public, district Treasurer Lance Erlwein emphasized that despite circulating rumors about potential delays caused by tariffs or other issues, the project remains on schedule. The financial planning appears to be steady, with no significant obstacles reported thus far.
Facility and Ticketing Details
Alongside the campus project, the board approved ticket prices for the upcoming athletic season for 2025-2026. Family passes will be priced at $175, while individual adult passes will cost $60. Discounted rates of $25 are set for students, senior citizens, and military veterans. For individual sporting events, ticket prices were established at $6 for adults and $4 for students, seniors, and veterans, with all sports abiding by these rates.
School Year Kickoff and Meal Program Success
Superintendent Greenley reported a successful start to the new school year, highlighting a positive atmosphere across the district and increased engagement. Additionally, the district’s free lunch program, which has recently been expanded, received an enthusiastic response. Superintendent Greenley estimated that on the first day of school, the district served approximately 40 to 50 more meals than during the same period last year, indicating strong community support and participation.
Additional Funding and Community Support
During the meeting, the board also discussed a recent donation of $12,705 from the Belpre Area Community Development Foundation. This donation is designated to support the high school student council’s participation in the upcoming State Leadership Conference. The contribution reflects ongoing community investment in educational and extracurricular initiatives within the district.
Summary
The Belpre City Schools Board’s decisions and updates outline a busy and promising start to the upcoming school year, marked by strategic planning for facility improvements and community engagement. The selection of Elford Inc. as construction manager, along with the progress on bond funding, positions the district for imminent infrastructure growth. Meanwhile, operational successes such as increased meal participation and new funding support extracurricular activities further demonstrate district vitality as the new academic year begins.
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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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