[LFC Comments:  We thank a Wickliffe lobbyist for this article.)

Here is a News-Herald article dated November 19, 2019 that discusses the passage of the Wickliffe School District property tax levy:
https://www.news-herald.com/news/elections/wickliffe-schools-levy-bond-issue-approved-by-voters/article_dfbded24-0041-11ea-8598-7fcecec07574.html

Excerpts from the article:

“The $60 million bond issue will be spread across 37 years. The 0.5-mill levy covers the ongoing expenditures of maintaining the new building.

Together, the levy and bond will cost residents $410.01 annually per every $100,000 of property valuation, according to the Lake County Auditor’s Office.”

[LFC Comments: The article does not state the total mills required to pay for this school.  However, we can determine that by this calculation:  $410.01 / $35.00 = 11.715 mills.  That is a huge levy!  And most of the current residents will not see the end of the 37 year bond issue.  In our opinion, this is a questionable legacy for Superintendent Joe Spicca – pricing seniors out of their homes!]

Here is the formal presentation made to the public: (this is a Powerpoint presentation)
WCSDFacilitiesPresentation053019_revised[1] (1)

From the presentation we found the project cost summary:

Project Cost Summary:
Construct New PK-12 Facility on HS Site:        $ 45,026,767
Abate / Demo Wickliffe ES, MS & HS:                 $ 2,856,154
2.9% Escalation for Market Conditions             $ 1,379,904
Additional Academic/Athletic SF                        $ 6,000,000
Relocate Baseball Field                                            $ 440,000
500 seat Auditorium                                             $ 4,400,000
Turf at the Stadium                                              $ 1,100,000
Project Cost                                                           $61,202,825
District Construction Budget Funds in place  ($1,202,826)
Total Project Ballot Cost                                      $59,999,999

Here is Mr. Joe Spicca’s response to a records request:

Attached are the most recent schematic designs. The schematic design process is slated to be complete by the end of June so there may be some changes in the coming weeks. The formal cost estimation process begins once the designs are complete and the estimators have them. Estimations will include furnishings and other items you have requested.

We opted not to include the storm shelter. The safety elements of the building are a priority and we will be working with local safety forces and consultants on the security and safety plan.

Thank you,
Joe Spiccia

Here are the engineering drawings for the first and second floor along with the sports facilities.

19114 200521 FIRST FLOOR – 24X36

19114 200521 SECOND FLOOR 24X36

*****

[LFC Comments: So at least a $60 million expenditure for a new school although the final costs are still being determined.  We hope that when they present the final figures that they include the bond interest costs for the project so that the taxpayers can see the grand total costs.

We thought we should remind everyone about the declining enrollment at the Wickliffe schools.   We researched the Cupp Reports to verify the enrollment numbers.
http://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Finance-and-Funding/School-Payment-Reports/District-Profile-Reports/FY2019-District-Profile-Report

The average enrollment for the Wickliffe District in 2006 was 1,525.  In 2019, the enrollment was 1,348.  This reflects a drop in students of 177 students or 11.6%.  

To recap, Wickliffe school officials determined that it was acceptable to spend $60 million for a new school that has a declining enrollment.  Well, at least they took out the $800,000 storm shelter!]

Categories: Lake County Cities & Townships, Uncategorized, Wickliffe

Tags: FT