District looking into building project

MILAN — Leaders of Edison Schools are entering the early stages of what could be a transformative project regarding its educational buildings. Without anything set in stone yet, officials are working off a 2022 community survey — which generated nearly 1,100 responses from locals — that, based on feedback, prioritized "providing the best teaching and learning environment" possible. Now it's up to district leaders to conceptualize these ideas and formulate a plan best satisfying all parties involved: students, parents, teachers, staff and all others living within the district's boundaries. There are, however, many unknowns about the project. This would include what could happen to the historic buildings in Milan, Edison Elementary, and in Berlin Heights, Edison Middle School. "With two buildings that are over 100 years old, it would be a disservice to our students not to seek ways to provide a better educational environment," Edison superintendent Corey Ream said. "At this point, the district is gathering information and doing its due diligence to address the challenges of educating 21st century students in facilities from the 19th and 20th centuries." One possible scenario would involve combining all students and buildings into a single location, most likely Edison High School in Milan Township where many recent and massive upgrades — including wide-sweeping renovations to its football stadium — have occurred. "A one-campus solution best fits these guiding principles," Ream said. What's been done so far In April, the Edison school board partnered with a firm, GPD Group, to assist the district in planning for this possible building project. Also during this meeting, school board members expressed their interest in working with the state on this initiative, which could include possible funding opportunities in hopes of lessening the financial burden on area stakeholders. Ream stressed these decisions do not lock Edison Schools into anything. "It is not binding on the district to actually move forward with a specific project," he said. Based on numerous factors, such as student enrollment data needed, it's believed a decision on whether or not to proceed would not happen until, at the earliest, this fall. "Until those tasks are completed, any discussion about cost or grade-level configuration is premature," Ream said. Officials would need to work out a funding plan to cover what's likely a multimillion-dollar project. For context, the cost for Margaretta Schools, which is currently building a one-campus school, totals $67 million. Edison believes it could receive money in several different ways to offset the balance: from state funds, the NEXUS pipeline and a levy, which would, in all likelihood, raise property taxes. The GDP firm has some familiarity with Edison and its projects. For instance, the two entities worked to leverage state funding for the high school's roofing project. Ream promised to remain transparent throughout this entire process. "As more information comes in, the district will continue to discuss the possibilities of new facilities at future board of education meetings. The new state budget will play a significant role in these conversations." Voting history It's a mixed bag when looking at past voter support for Edison Schools and levies. • In 2013, voters approved a new-money levy labeled as "emergency." This levy was substituted in 2018 with a slightly smaller one. • In 2019, a renewal "emergency" levy was approved. • In 2012 and, more recently, in 2023, those new-money issues — which were not labeled as "emergency" — voters rejected these issues. The 2023 bond issue called for an $87 million project to build two new schools and renovate the high school. Had it been approved, the owner of a $100,000 home would have paid an additional $235 a year. The plan called for building these schools in Milan and Berlin Heights where students attend classes today.