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Reminder: Facilities Webinar on Tuesday, February 13
Tune in to a District facilities webinar on Tuesday, February 13, at noon. Hear updates on the timeline, decisions to date, ask questions and receive information on the working process for this exciting and transformative project for the Shaker Heights Schools!
Join here: https://shaker.zoom.us/j/94524342669. This webinar will be recorded and shared via a facilities update email with all families and staff.
Master Facilities Plan RFQ Released on Friday, February 9
The District released the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) with the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC) on Friday, February 9. The RFQ states that the District seeks design and engineering services for Segment 1 of the Master Facilities Plan and encourages architects to submit proposals. The total cost of the project is $150.1 million, with about $47.5 of that coming for state co-funding.
The following criteria will be used to make a selection:
- Background and history of the firm
- Commitment to preserving historic design and an emphasis on sustainability
- Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Each responding firm should include a plan for having a diverse workforce involved in the design of the project
- Experience of the organizational team, including qualifications and resumes
- Past performance of the firm, including K-12 school experience
- Explanation of the firm plans to administer the project
The deadline for submission of the RFQ is February 23, 2024. A shortlist of finalists is expected to be announced March 22, 2024, with interviews taking place by a District-OFCC panel currently scheduled for April 12, 2024. A selection is expected to be made by April 19, 2024.
Board of Education to Vote on Bond Issuance Resolution
At its February 13, 2024, meeting, the Board of Education will be asked to approve a resolution that will enable the District to issue bonds to cover its share of the $128 million facilities project. The Board will also review the estimated bond issuance schedule at the meeting.
The District has been working with its bond counsel to issue bonds to cover the District’s match. The state is co-funding approximately 37 percent of the project. The District must cover its share of the funding to receive money from the state.
The District expects to hold a bond rating meeting March 5, 2024, and expects to set bond pricing April 4, 2024. The District would then receive state funds April 25, 2024.
School districts borrow money for capital projects by issuing a bond that works like a loan. A bank or financial institution sells the bonds and gives the money to the school district. The money will be repaid annually over a maximum period of 37 years, estimated by the County Fiscal Officer to average over the bond repayment period 6.45 mills for each $1 of taxable property value.
PYP Exhibition Information
With the shift of Grade 5 to the elementary buildings beginning in the 2024-2025 school year, fifth grade will become the culminating year of the Primary Years Programme (PYP). The majority of Primary Years Programme schools across the International Baccalaureate Organization are PreK-5.
Current fourth grade students will complete the Exhibition next year as fifth graders. Instead of Exhibition this year, current fourth graders will participate in a Capstone Project to celebrate their learning and prepare them for the authentic Exhibition experience in the fifth grade.
Share With Your Neighbors: Sign Up To Receive Updates
All community members may sign up to receive these ongoing information updates about the District’s long-term facilities plan. Please share this link with your neighbors to sign up: Click here to receive long-term facilities plan updates. (Current staff and families will automatically receive emails.)
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