Work to expand three of the Olentangy Local School District’s elementary schools is now underway. The three schools – Alum Creek Elementary, Arrowhead Elementary and Wyandot Run Elementary – each will receive six additional classrooms for a total of 18 new elementary classrooms to be completed in time for the 2019-20 school year.[widgets_on_pages id=1]
The additions are needed to ease crowding and accommodate for continued growth.Enrollment projections show the district will run out of available elementary classroom space by the 2020-21 school year. Enrollment in Pre-K through fifth grade has increased by more than 700 students since the district built its last elementary school in 2012. The district’s enrollment projections also show Olentangy growing by another 2,498 elementary students over the next 10 years.Those numbers mean that, in addition to the 18 new classrooms, the district will also need to build new elementary schools in the near future to keep up with enrollment.
The additions are being funded with a previously approved bond issue for construction of an elementary school. That school was not built and the bond debt was never collected. The district is working closely with the construction crews to ensure that the work does not impact student education.
The following FAQ provides additional information on the process.
How will the district ensure construction employees do not have access to students?
The construction site will be self-contained with portable restrooms for the crew. The construction company will be required to meet our safety standards, pass background checks, etc. Our director of safety and preparedness will establish specific safety plans with each school principal during the construction phase later this fall.
Will the Delaware County Sheriff have increased visibility during construction?
School resource officers will continue to make regular visits to each impacted elementary school.
How will the district handle any increase in noise/disruption to learning?
Construction events that are known to be particularly loud will be scheduled around student attendance to avoid disruptions. These events and dates will be arranged in advance.
Should anyone associated with the construction process need access to the building during school hours?
This is not likely, but if so, they will be escorted. No construction employee will be unescorted in the building space.
