“The district leadership and union leadership teams have met, and we are looking at options which include delaying the start of school districtwide,” Superintendent Gene Lolli said in a district message.
Fairborn schools “will make the best decision in the interests of staff and families,” Lolli and Business Affairs Director Jeff Patrick said in an email to the Dayton Daily News on Monday.
“As soon as we have additional information re: the start of school, we will send (information) home to parents with specifics and will post/share on the district website and social media,” they said.
“We realize that everyone is planning for the start of school and we are doing everything we can to ensure a smooth start for our community.”
A decision on if the construction delay will impact a districtwide delay is expected in July, officials said.
Fairborn current school district calendar calls for the opening day for all staff to be Aug. 15, with grades 1-12 starting classes Aug. 18, and kindergarten and preschool beginning Aug. 23.
Consistency for families with multiple children, bus route scheduling and the number of hours required for each grade level will all be factors in that decision, according to the district.
The company building the new school at 1020 S. Maple Ave. is Conger Construction, district officials said. Attempts to reach Conger officials Monday were unsuccessful.
The Dayton Daily News reported in June 2020 the project would cost about $24 million for the 103,163 square-foot school that would house students in grades 3-5.
The construction delay is not expected to increase costs, officials said.
About 60% of Fairborn voters in 2016 approved a 2.95-mill bond levy, according to Greene County election records. It provided money to replace the mid-1950s primary and intermediate schools with new buildings. The tax issue was to cost the owner of a $100,000 home $103.25 per year.
The cost of both schools combined was estimated at the time at $51 million, with the state covering 46 percent. The primary school has been completed.
Another tax issue for a new high school was passed by voters in 2020. Fairborn residents approved a 5.83-mill combo bond/levy estimated to cost the owner of a $100,000 home $204 per year, according to records.
The proceeds of that issue are funding ongoing construction of a $70 million high school, performing arts center and athletic complex.
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