On Tuesday, March 7, 2023, residents of the Solon Community School District voted on and passed a $25.5 million bond issue. The approved bond will allow the District to complete the following projects:
EXPAND SOLON INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL
When Solon Intermediate School was built in 2017, it was designed with an additional wing to be built when enrollment grew. With current and future growth, the school now needs additional classrooms, a gym, and support spaces.
The addition at Solon Intermediate School would include:
Seven (7) general education classrooms
One (1) special education classroom and space
One (1) project-based learning room
One (1) station gym
UPDATE LAKEVIEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
While the school has been well maintained, due to its age, many of the building’s major systems, including electrical, plumbing, and heating and cooling, need updates or replacement. In addition, many of the finishes are worn and beyond their life expectancy and need to be replaced.
CREATE A DEDICATED TRANSPORTATION FACILITY
The District recently purchased the former truck shop on the north edge of Solon to serve as the Transportation Center for the District. This building will be renovated to provide needed space for buses to receive routine maintenance and park out of the elements in the winter months.
DEMOLISHING THE FORMER MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL AND BUILDING OFFICE SPACE
The current administrative offices and board room are located in the former middle/high school. Due to the significant investment needed to address aging systems and lack of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility, the building will be demolished and a new, smaller, energy-efficient space can be built to serve the District’s administrative needs.
ADD MULTI-PURPOSE LARGE GROUP SPACE
Space is needed for indoor programming during the school day, as well as for the District’s co-curricular activities and youth community programming.
COMPLETE UPDATES AT SPARTAN STADIUM
The turf is more than 12 years old and in need of replacement to continue to serve our athletics, music, and youth/community programs.
WHAT ARE THE DISTRICT’S PRESSING FACILITY NEEDS?
The Solon Community School District has identified the following challenges:
ENROLLMENT GROWTH
Since 2014, the District has seen a steady increase in enrollment, serving an additional 156 students today. Enrollment projections for the next 10 years indicate continued growth as new housing developments, with an anticipated 500 new residential lots, will bring additional families with school-age children to the District. As enrollment increases, additional classroom and support spaces will be needed throughout
AGING BUILDING SYSTEMS AND FINISHES
Lakeview Elementary School and the District Administrative Office need updates to major building systems (electrical, plumbing, heating, and ventilation). The roofs, doors, ceilings, flooring, and casework are also in need of repair and/or replacement. Additionally, updates are needed to address the ADA code compliance.
The turf field at Spartan Stadium was originally installed in 2010, is operating beyond its service life, and is in need of replacement to continue to safely meet the needs of athletics, music, and youth and community programming.
BUS PARKING AND MAINTENANCE
The District has long desired a covered space for bus parking, as well as an off-site location for routine fleet maintenance. This will improve the Transportation Department’s efficiencies, extend the life of District-owned buses, and reduce the amount of time drivers spend prepping buses in the winter months.
LACK OF INDOOR LARGE GROUP ACTIVITY SPACE
As student enrollment has grown, so has the number of students participating in extracurricular activities, as well as the number of activities offered. As a result, there is a need for additional multi-purpose indoor space to meet the needs of the District and community.
