Ohio School Facilities Commission

COLUMBUS (February 29, 2008) - Ohio School Facilities Commission (OSFC) Executive Director Michael C. Shoemaker announced the appointment of Steven J. Berezansky to his executive leadership team. Berezansky was named Chief of Projects. “Steve Berezansky is an experienced, dedicated, and respected construction professional,” Director Shoemaker said. “His enthusiasm for the mission of this agency and his commitment to ensuring quality buildings for Ohio’s schoolchildren made this a well-deserved choice.”

Berezansky, a resident of Marengo in Morrow County, has been with OSFC for seven years, starting as a project administrator and most recently holding the positions of Deputy Chief of Projects and Interim Chief of Projects. His career includes service in the U.S. Naval Reserve, Construction Battalion, and he holds a bachelor of science degree in Civil Engineering Technology from the University of Pittsburgh. As Chief of Projects, Berezansky will oversee the delivery of the design and construction portion of the state’s school construction agency.

Shoemaker also announced that he has name Michael Mendenhall as Deputy Chief of Projects. “Mike Mendenhall brings experience in both public agency construction and school district facilities management. That perspective will make him a valuable asset to this office.” Mendenhall, who lives in Chillicothe, spent the past four years as a construction administrator with the Ohio Department of Youth Services. He previously served as Administrator of Operations and Maintenance for the Chillicothe City school district.

Berezansky and Mendenhall join OSFC’s leadership team, which includes Eric Bode, Chief Financial Officer; Melanie Drerup, Deputy Chief of Planning; Jerry Kasai, Chief Legal Counsel; Cheryl Lyman, Chief of Support Services; and Steve Lutz, Chief of Planning.

Established in 1997, the Commission is responsible for administration of the state’s school construction and renovation program. With proceeds from Governor Ted Strickland’s $4.1 billion Tobacco Securitization initiative, the Commission is currently working with, or has completed all necessary work in, over half of the state’s 613 school districts. The Commission is also receiving national recognition for its recent adoption of the US Green Building Council’s environmentally friendly LEED for Schools design criteria.

OSFC Employee Recognized for Excellence

COLUMBUS (December 20, 2007) – Columbus resident Madison Dowlen is the 2007 recipient of the Anthony Tripodi Award of Excellence.

The award, named for former Ohio School Facilities Commission (OSFC) Chief Fiscal Officer Anthony Tripodi, is presented to the OSFC staff member who best exemplifies Tripodi’s dedication to public service and his commitment to Ohio’s school children.

“Each year, the Tripodi award winner is nominated and selected by the OSFC staff,” said Executive Director Michael C. Shoemaker. “Madison’s selection for the Tripodi award is a recognition of his professionalism on the job and his concern for the future of school children throughout the state.” Shoemaker went on to say, “Often your friends are your toughest critics. This award is from people who work alongside Madison daily. They know what he does, and they think it’s something very special.”

School Facilities Commission Approves First Round of Funding from Tobacco Securitization

November 29, 2007 (Columbus) – Thirteen Ohio school districts will be the first to take advantage of newly available monies under a Strickland administration school construction initiative. The districts are the first of over 140 school systems that will see accelerated construction and renovation funding from the Tobacco Securitization program proposed by Governor Ted Strickland and approved by the General Assembly earlier this year.

Under the Strickland program, over $4.1 billion will be made available to the Ohio School Facilities Commission during the next three fiscal years (FY 2009, 2010, and 2011) to fund their facilities projects. The Commission took action November 29th to approve Master Facility Plans developed in cooperation with the districts that reflect the local system’s needs. The Master Facility Plans outline how many buildings will be in the project and whether they will be new construction or renovations of existing facilities.

Governor Strickland stated “Today’s actions by our Commission highlight this administration’s commitment to improving educational opportunities for all Ohioans. These environmental-friendly, education-ready facilities will provide our children with technology and learning opportunities that are second-to-none.”

OSFC Executive Director Michael C. Shoemaker called the approvals “a positive first step” in moving forward with the opportunities created by the influx of Tobacco Securitization funding. “We know that the next three years will be a challenging time as we oversee the construction and renovation made possible by this initiative,” Shoemaker said. “Our goal is to spend the money efficiently, fairly, and wisely, while moving forward as rapidly as possible with this unprecedented opportunity.”

Shoemaker noted that while the OSFC staff has been finalizing the plans for the 13 districts approved at the November meeting, this was, by no means, the end of the work. “Over the next three years, we expect to offer funding to a minimum of 140 school districts. This will involve significant work, both on OSFC’s part, and on the part of school administrators in these districts. I am confident however, that we and the districts will rise to this challenge.”

In addition to providing new and renovated facilities facilities, the funding from the OSFC will also include another important Strickland administration initiative: All of the buildings will be designed using the environmentally-conscious LEED for Schools rating system, as adopted by the Commission at their October 2007 meeting.

The Ohio School Facilities Commission has adopted the LEED for Schools Green Building Rating System as part of its school design standards.

Created by the non-profit U.S. Green Building Council, LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a widely used benchmark for the design and construction of energy efficient and environmentally conscious buildings.

All future OSFC-funded buildings will strive for the LEED Gold level and be required to meet LEED Silver certification for environmental-conscious design with an emphasis in the energy and atmosphere category.

September 27, 2007 (Columbus) - School Facilities Commission Announces “Green Schools” Initiative

Hundreds of new and renovated schools are set to meet higher energy efficiency and environmental standards, according to the Ohio School Facilities Commission.

At its meeting today, the Commission adopted the LEED for Schools Rating System as part of its school design standards. Created by the non-profit U.S. Green Building Council, LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a widely used benchmark for the design and construction of energy efficient and environmentally conscious buildings. To qualify for the LEED for Schools designation, individual buildings must meet specifications for land use, water and energy efficiency, construction materials, and indoor air quality. LEED serves as a design guideline for green buildings and offers third party validation of a building’s green features.

With $4.1 billion targeted for school facilities under Governor Strickland’s Tobacco Securitization plan, the Commission’s action means that at least 250 buildings will be registering for LEED Silver Certification within the next two years.

OSFC Executive Director Michael C. Shoemaker noted, “The LEED criteria have been shown to have a positive effect on student health, attendance, and performance. While the state is sharing in the cost of the upfront construction, the benefits – including energy savings – accrue directly to the school districts participating in our programs.”

LEED certification has four progressive levels – Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. The level of certification depends on the number of criteria that are met during the design and construction of a building. Under the Commission’s green schools initiative, all future OSFC-funded buildings will be encouraged to meet LEED for Schools Gold certification. There is a minimum requirement to meet LEED Silver certification with a preferred investment in attaining Gold level points in the energy and atmosphere category.

According to Shoemaker, “Reaching the LEED standard established by the Commission is achievable and practical.” Current OSFC standards and guidelines already align with 20 to 28 of the 37 points necessary for LEED for Schools Silver status. “We currently have one school – Pleasant Ridge in Cincinnati – that has been LEED registered and is seeking Silver certification,” Shoemaker noted. “We have about 12 other schools in the design process that are currently incorporating the LEED standards.” He also stated that the Commission’s actions were a first step. “We will be looking at how this process evolves and the effect these standards have on improving student performance.”

In addition to adopting the new standard, Commissioners also asked Director Shoemaker to form a task force to explore options for state financing that would assist school districts in funding the local share of the cost.

The Ohio School Facilities Commission heard a series of recommendations from Governor Ted Strickland’s Advantage Ohio Regulatory Reform Initiative. The recommendations look at efficiency, construction quality, educational suitability, and community satisfaction with school construction and renovation. The findings of the Advantage Ohio report were presented to the Commission at their August 23rd meeting.

OSFC Executive Director Michael C. Shoemaker called the study “a welcome challenge” in the agency’s continuing efforts to improve its programs and management processes. “This report is comprehensive and obviously the result of much thoughtful and deliberate discussion.” Shoemaker said. “Since the first of the year, we have been moving to implement many of the concepts addressed in the Advantage Ohio report. While some of these recommendations would require legislative changes, we are looking closely at the ones we can put into place by agency action.”

Shoemaker indicated that agency review of the recommendations will begin immediately. “This is an exciting time,” Shoemaker said. “Over the next three years, we’re looking at spending over $4 billion from Gov. Strickland’s Tobacco Securitization initiative. This report will help us immensely in our efforts to build high-quality, education-ready schools”

The Advantage Ohio public-private working group formed to analyze the school construction and renovation process had twelve members: three from state government, three from local school districts, two from non-profit groups, and four from the private sector. The group made 36 recommendations, with 12 major points:

The Ohio School Facilities Commission (OSFC) approved the funding for master facilities plans in 34 school districts. This action signals the ability for school districts to move forward with the design and construction of new or renovated facilities.

The funding represents the latest commitment to public education under the Strickland Turnaround Ohio initiatives, which call for “schools that work for every child by giving teachers the tools and technology they need to stimulate creative, problem-solving students to power Ohio’s 21st century economy.”
Through OSFC, the state will provide the 34 districts with $792.6 million in state funds, out of the $1.26 billion in total project costs. Priority for OSFC funding is based on either a district's relative property wealth or on the basis of exceptional need criteria. The Commission’s actions are subject to approval by the State Controlling Board.

“This is an exciting time,” OSFC Executive Director Michael C. Shoemaker said, “because this wave of school facilities funding is just the beginning.” These school districts are participating in the OSFC’s Classroom Facilities Assistance, Exceptional Needs and Vocational Facilities Assistance Programs.

Columbus, Ohio (July 17, 2007) - The Ohio School Facilities Commission is now a member of the U.S. Green Building Council (the non-profit organization that developed the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) rating systems. Membership in the organization will support our efforts to promote energy efficiency and environmental sustainability in the design and construction of school facilities throughout the state. OSFC has two LEED® Accredited Professionals on staff.

School Construction Funding Accelerated; Record Number of Funding Offers Made As Result of Tobacco Securitization

Columbus, Ohio (July 6, 2007) – The Ohio School Facilities Commission (OSFC) notified 57 school districts this week that they are eligible for state funding for school facilities construction. The funding for these projects is being made possible by Governor Ted Strickland’s tobacco securitization initiative. The financing mechanism, which is part of the new state operating budget, is estimated to generate more than $4.1 billion for school construction projects.

“Under the terms of tobacco securitization, we will be able to finance $4.1 billion in new construction projects over the next three years. This is a tremendous opportunity for communities to address their school facilities needs. Our children will have access to the educational enhancements of new and renovated buildings much more quickly,” said OSFC Executive Director Michael Shoemaker.

These 57 districts have an opportunity of moving ahead on a fast track, with funding coming as early as this fall. Districts also have the option of waiting for OSFC’s regular funding approval in July 2008 or they can defer participation. Each of the districts is in the process of determining their readiness to participate in construction program. Districts that decide to move forward will be required to provide a local funding share.

The districts notified this week are in addition to 44 districts that were offered funding in May. OSFC has now extended Classroom Facilities Assistance Program funding offers to school districts up to 305 of the 612 districts on the FY 2007 Eligibility Ranking List and Vocational Facilities Assistance Program funding offers for any district ranked up to 18 on the FY 2007 Joint Vocational School Eligibility Ranking List.

This week’s offer of funding is the largest in OSFC’s history. The state has spent over $5 billion for school facilities projects since OSFC was created in 1997.

Governor Strickland announces funding in the works for 39 school districts to improve school facilities

COLUMBUS (May 3, 2007) – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland announced today that 39 school districts have been identified for funding this year from the Ohio School Facilities Commission.

The funding represents the latest commitment to public education under the Strickland “Turnaround Ohio” initiatives, which call for “schools that work for every child by giving teachers the tools and technology they need to stimulate creative, problem-solving students to power Ohio’s 21st century economy.”

“ My administration is committed to making significant investments in our children and the future of Ohio,” Strickland said. “It is a major priority in our proposed state budget to secure funding for current and future building obligations to ensure our children are given a world-class education in a classroom that will prepare students for the jobs of the future.”

OSFC Executive Director Michael C. Shoemaker called the planned projects “a cooperative venture” that will provide students with opportunities never before available to them. He stated the Commission and its staff were now working with the 39 school districts to finalize the renovation and new construction work for each district and the overall cost of that work.

The Process
Today’s announcement represents the first step in the project funding process – the recommendation of districts for funding based on a district’s relative property wealth or a district’s demonstrated exceptional need.

The next step, which will take place in June, will be local board approval of the district-wide facility plans developed jointly by OSFC and the district.

Following local approval, the OSFC will formally consider the facility plans and projected project budgets at its July meeting, and the State Controlling Board will be asked for approval during August.

About the Commission
Established in 1997, the Ohio School Facilities Commission administers the state’s comprehensive Kindergarten through 12th Grade public school construction program. The agency helps school districts fund, plan, design, and build or renovate schools. The Commission has spent more than $5 billion on school construction and renovation, with 481 new or renovated buildings opened around the state. To date, OSFC has completely addressed the facilities needs of 114 school districts – improving the lives of more than 182,000 Ohio school children.

Districts Identified for OSFC FY08 Funding

Classroom Facilities Assistance Program
Arcanum Butler Local                       Darke
Arlington Local                                  Hancock
Barberton City                                    Summit
Brookfield Local                                 Trumbull
Clay Local                                          Scioto
Clyde-Green Springs EV                    Sandusky
Crestview Local                                 Van Wert
Defiance City                                     Defiance
Franklin-Monroe Local                      Darke
Gallipolis City                                     Gallia
Hamilton City                                    Butler
Hardin Northern                                Hardin
Hardin-Houston Local                       Shelby
Highland Local                                  Morrow
Jefferson Area Local                          Ashtabula
Kalida Local                                       Putnam
Kenton City                                        Hardin
Liberty Center Local                          Henry
Madison Local                                    Butler
Madison Local                                    Lake
Massillon City                                    Stark
Morgan Local                                     Morgan
National Trail Local                        Preble
Newton Local                                  Miami
North College Hill City                   Hamilton
Northmor Local                               Morrow
Pike-Delta-York Local                    Fulton
Ridgemont Local                            Hardin
Rittman EV                                       Wayne
Springfield Local                             Mahoning
St. Marys City                                    Auglaize
Strasburg-Franklin Local               Tuscarawas
Wapakoneta City                              Auglaize
Whitehall City                                    Franklin
Willard City                                        Huron

Exceptional Needs Program
Elyria City                                          Lorain
Lakota Local                                       Sandusky
Miami Trace                                       Fayette

Vocational Facilities Assistance Program
Pioneer Career JVS    Richland

Construction Management Services contract awarded
Columbus, OH (April 11, 2007) - The Ohio School Facilities Commission (OSFC) announced today that Bovis Lend Lease has been selected to provide construction management services for a new campus for the Ohio School for the Deaf and the Ohio State School for the Blind in Columbus, Ohio.

The state appropriated funding for the schools to begin planning for a new complex to replace aging and inadequate facilities. The plan will include space for classrooms, housing, food service areas, gymnasium, natatorium, athletic fields, administration spaces, outreach and support services. OSFC is responsible for the administration of the project, in consultation with staff from the two schools.

A company with offices world-wide, Bovis Lend Lease is the second-largest construction management firm in the United States. The company has 17 U.S.-based offices, including one in Columbus.

OSFC provides funding, management oversight, and technical assistance to local school districts for construction and renovation of school facilities in order to provide an appropriate learning environment for Ohio’s school children. Milestones include: $5 billion spent to date; 141 buildings under construction; 481 new/renovated buildings have opened; and 114 school districts fully completed.

Professional Design Services contract awarded
Columbus, OH (April 3, 2007) - The Ohio School Facilities Commission (OSFC) announced today that Steed Hammond Paul, Inc. has been selected to provide professional design services for a new campus for the Ohio School for the Deaf and the Ohio State School for the Blind in Columbus, Ohio.

An Ohio-based architectural firm, Steed Hammond Paul specializes in public institutional work. The firm has offices in Cincinnati, Hamilton and Columbus.

NOTE: The resolution noted below was amended by a resolution passed at the July 2007 commission meeting. A copy of the subsequent resolution can be found here.

Ohio School Facilities Commission Gives Local Districts Options to Adopt for Enhanced Contractor Responsibility
Columbus, OH (March 16, 2007) - At its meeting on February 15, 2007, the Ohio School Facilities Commission gave its approval to a resolution allowing a local board of education to adopt qualification criteria and standards to evaluate bidder responsibility. The resolution included model responsible bidder requirements that may be added to the construction contract documents if a local school board elects to incorporate them in the responsibility review process. This resolution applies to any future bidding opportunities. It cannot be applied retroactively to bids awarded or already published.

OSFC considers these new standards and criteria as additional tools that local districts may wish to implement to reflect the needs of their community.

TAFT ANNOUNCES FUNDING IN THE WORKS TO IMPROVE SCHOOL FACILITIES IN 29 SCHOOL DISTRICTS

CINCINNATI (July 19, 2006) - Governor Bob Taft today announced that 29 school districts have been approved for funding this year under the state's Rebuilding Ohio's Schools program. Taft made the announcement today at Mount Healthy High School, a Hamilton County school slated for replacement under the state's aggressive school building and renovation program.

"Good, modern and safe school buildings send a strong message to Ohio students that their community values their education and their education is important to their future success," said Taft. "I've been pleased to see first-hand how new buildings and classrooms equipped with the latest technology improve student and teacher morale, creating an excitement about learning and provide more opportunities for students to learn and achieve."

Twenty-nine school districts identified for reconstruction or renovation are being funded from the Ohio School Facilities Commission's (OSFC) Fiscal Year 2007 appropriation. Through OSFC, the state will provide the 29 districts with $759 million in state funds, or 69 percent of the $1.1 billion in total project costs. Priority for OSFC funding is based on either a district's relative property wealth, or on the basis of exceptional need criteria.

The Mount Healthy City School District received approval for $57,265,000 in state funding, which represents 70 percent of the total project costs for that district. The school district plans to consolidate its nine outdated facilities into three new state-of-the-art buildings and will ask for voter approval of their local share for this project this fall.

GOVERNOR TAFT ANNOUNCES FUNDING IN THE WORKS FOR 11
MORE SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO IMPROVE SCHOOL FACILITIES

COLUMBUS (May 30, 2006) - Governor Bob Taft announced today that 11 additional school districts have been identified for funding this year under the state's Rebuilding Ohio's Schools program.

"Since this program began nine years ago, we have opened or renovated 420 schools in 204 districts across the state," said Taft. "Rebuilding Ohio's Schools supports our mission to enable every child to succeed and will help ensure that our classrooms and school facilities are modern centers of learning. Combining our progress with clear academic standards and high expectations proposed through our Ohio Core plan will help Ohio prepare all students for work, college and life."

The funding, which will be administered by the Ohio School Facilities Commission (OSFC), is part of Rebuilding Ohio's Schools, a historic $24 billion program designed to address the facility needs of every Ohio school district. The 11 districts announced today are in addition to 24 districts that accepted an offer of funding in March, bringing the total number of districts to receive funds from the OSFC's Fiscal Year 2007 appropriation to 35.

The OSFC and its staff are now working with representatives of the 35 school districts to finalize both the scope of work to be done in each district and the overall cost of that work.

The Process
Today's announcement represents the first step in the project funding process - OSFC's recommendation of districts for funding based on a district's relative property wealth or a district's demonstrated exceptional need.

In June, the local board will approve the district-wide facility plans developed jointly by OSFC and the district.

Following local approval, the OSFC will formally consider the facility plans and projected project budgets at its July 20th meeting, and the State Controlling Board will be asked for approval in August.

ADDITIONAL DISTRICTS IDENTIFIED FOR FUNDING
OSFC Fiscal Year 2007 Appropriations

Classroom Facilities Assistance Program
East Clinton Local (Clinton)
Fairlawn Local (Shelby)
Hubbard Ex Village (Trumbull)
Millcreek West Unity (Williams)
Mt. Gilead Ex Village (Morrow)
Niles City (Trumbull)
North Fork Local (Licking)
Preble-Shawnee Local (Preble)
Southern Local (Meigs)
Wauseon Ex Village (Fulton)

March 23, 2006 (Columbus) - The Ohio School Facilities Commission (OSFC) has announced plans to implement a new partnership that will provide opportunities for students at The Ohio State University to explore potential careers in architecture, engineering, planning and construction.

OSFC will hire two OSU students, one to serve as an intern at the agency, and the other to participate in a cooperative education position.

OSFC Executive Director Richard M. Hickman announced today that Tara Bonner, a mechanical engineering student, begins working with staff as a co-op student starting in late March for both the Spring and Summer Terms. Kevin Baird, a civil engineering student will work with OSFC during this summer as an intern starting in mid-June.

Cooperative education through OSU requires that students alternate full-time work with full-time school for a minimum of two work quarters. Internships on the other hand are one-period commitments of full-time work, typically during the summer, or part-time work integrated with their school schedule.

Hickman called the appointments a "great opportunity to further OSFC’s mission of provide funding, management oversight, and technical assistance to local school districts while giving the students valuable work experience toward their careers. We also view this as an excellent opportunity to attract talented people to the field of facilities construction. I welcome both students as contributing partners in fulfilling our historic mission."