INTRODUCTION AND HISTORY
For more than two decades, the Bloom-Carroll Local School District has partnered with the Ohio Facilities Constructions Commission (OFCC) and community stakeholders to develop and refine a comprehensive Master Facilities Plan (MFP). As enrollment patterns shift and educational expectations evolve, master plans must be reviewed and updated to ensure our facilities continue to support student success, safety, and opportunity.
The OFCC is the state agency responsible for planning, funding, and managing capital construction projects for public entities across Ohio. In K-12 education, the OFCC works to ensure that students have access to safe, modern and equitable learning environments through a statewide school building program.
To promote fairness across the state, the OFCC determines each district's state share percentage using a formula that measures a district's relative ability to generate local revenue for facilities. Districts with lower property wealth receive a higher percentage of state funding. Bloom-Carroll Local School District's state share percentage is 18%.
To date, the District has implemented its Master Facilities Plan in a strategic and fiscally responsible manner by prioritizing needs and completing projects in phases.
MFP PHASE 1 - MIDDLE SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION
In November 2009, voters approved funding for the construction of a new middle school for students in grades 5-8. The project was completed in 2012 and opened to students in January 2013. The middle school currently serves 603 students in grades 6-8 and provides a modern learning environment designed to support both academic and extracurricular programming.
MFP PHASE 2 - ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION
In May 2018, voters approved funding for the construction of a new elementary school. The project was completed on time and under budget, opening to students in August 2021. The elementary school currently serves 979 students in kindergarten through fifth grade and was designed to accommodate current enrollment while supporting future growth.
MFP PHASE 3 - FUTURE PLANNING
The scope of phase 3 has not yet been fully determined. However, several factors-including available space, enrollment trends, and the overall condition of the current high school facility-indicate that future updates to the Master Facilities Plan must address the needs of our high school students.
In addition, Ohio school districts are required to provide educational services to preschool-age students identified with disabilities. Bloom-Carroll currently utilizes the Preschool and Learning Center (the former Bloom Elementary building in Lithopolis) to serve Bloom-Carroll preschool students and several school-aged special education students from throughout Fairfield County thorough a collaborative partnership with the Fairfield County Educational Service Center.
The Preschool and Learning Center facility was originally constructed in 1941, with additions completed in 1954, 1960, and 1975. As the building approaches the end of its useful life, the District must thoughtfully plan for how best to serve the students currently being educated in this facility while maintaining safe, high-quality learning environments.
It is possible that the priorities address the high school age and preschool age student may need to be separated into two phases.
Phase 3 Concepts