Goodbye, Ontario Elementary

SANDUSKY — Demolition of the former Ontario Elementary began this week.The demolition, a phase of Sandusky Schools' "Building Better Dreams" plan, was almost complete as of Wednesday. Meanwhile, construction equipment was seen working at the site of the intermediate school, near Sandusky High School.During last week's Sandusky Schools community forums, project officials said plans for both Ontario Primary and the intermediate school remain on schedule to open by fall 2019. Construction for the new Ontario Primary, for first and second-grade students, is slated to begin in April.Demolition of Hancock Elementary will begin in 2019 and the new Hancock school should open by January 2021.Most of the former Ontario Elementary at 924 Ontario St. is torn down as seen here on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2018. Construction for the new Ontario Primary for first and second-grade students is scheduled to begin in April. New setup— Ontario Primary SchoolThis facility will cover 67,300 square feet with more than 30 classrooms on two floors. It will include an extended learning space for projects with functional classrooms that can double, or quadruple, with partitions. Ontario Primary is expected to fit about 548 students in first and second grades, which has several advantages, according to a news release. The school's property will also contain two play areas and space for possible future additions. All designs must adhere to state guidelines.This facility will cost about $15 million. The state will pay for about $9.6 million while district residents will pay $5.4 million during a 34-year period, the life of district's bond issue.— The intermediate schoolThis will be a two-story,145,500-square-foot structure for 1,000 district students in grades 3-6. This facility will cost about $32 million. The state will cover half this cost with the remaining $16 million paid for by district residents durinf a 34-year period, the life of the district's bond issue, which was approved in November 2016.Rendering of the new Ontario Primary, which is scheduled to open by fall 2019.District officials said a positive, well-balanced school environment is crucial for students' academic growth.Educational elementsAmong the more notable and progressive features coming to the intermediate school:• There will be more than 50 classrooms, including two STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics) labs• A fenced, outdoor courtyard where students can pursue projects and complete schoolwork• Many windows, which can provide natural light to help reduce the amount of energy needed• Two varsity-sized basketball courts• A 5,400-square-foot Global Education Center in close proximity to the planetarium and STEAM labsStaying safeAll of Sandusky Schools' new buildings will have modern safety features. For instance, each school will have two protected entrances before visitors can access the rest of the building. Other exterior doors will be locked and monitored.Additionally, the school's parking will be separated for the parent drop off and bus loop for traffic control.Updated technologyEach new building will have wifi and interactive white boards and projectors for teachers and students in each classroom.For Ontario and Hancock schools, the biggest upgrade will likely be better temperature control."Each building will have a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system that will maximize a comforting temperature throughout the building," district officials said in a release.Rendering for he new intermediate school near Sandusky High School, which is scheduled to open by fall 2019.Construction project progress• Keep up with the district's construction project on its website at www.scs-k12.net under the tab labeled "School Facilities/Building Better Dreams"• For questions, contact superintendent Eugene Sanders at 419-984-1000 and askdrsanders@scs-k12.net or treasurer Gina Deppert at 419-984-1005 and gdeppert@scs-k12.net. Reach reporter Caitlin Nearhood at nearhood@sanduskyregister.com, follow her on Twitter @CaitlinNearhood and on Facebook.com/CaitliNearhoodCrews tear down the former Ontario Elementary at 924 Ontario St. on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2018. Construction for the new Ontario Primary for first and second-grade students is scheduled to begin in April. Most of the former Ontario Elementary at 924 Ontario St. is torn down as seen here on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2018. Construction for the new Ontario Primary for first and second-grade students is scheduled to begin in April. A red fence surrounds the former Ontario Elementary at 924 Ontario St. during its demolition on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2018. Construction for the new Ontario Primary for first and second-grade students is scheduled to begin in April.