Editor’s Note: This is the first in a series of stories regarding the potential renovation or replacement of Xenia High School and Warner Middle School. This part discusses the assessment of Xenia High School. Tomorrow we will discuss the assessment of Warner.
XENIA — Xenia Community School District officials are soon going to make a decision that will impact thousands of students.
Administrators — along with school board members — will determine what to do with the aging, outdated high school and middle school buildings. The Ohio School Facilities Commission, should it select Xenia’s project, is willing to pay for about half the work, much like it did for the recent elementary school construction.
The question is whether to renovate or build new, if the board members decide to do anything.
Whatever they choose, a study of both buildings determine some action is necessary. And it goes deeper than brick and mortar. The assessment, completed by the OSFC, revealed myriad items that need attention.
“While the outward appearance of both buildings isn’t indicative of significant issues — behind the walls, above the drop ceilings, and in the mechanical rooms — there are numerous, critical repairs needed, as indicated in the state’s assessments,” Assistant Superintendent of Business Operations Christy Fielding said. “In general, most aspects of the buildings are starting to reach end of life and need major repairs or replacement.”
Originally built in 1976, the high school sits on 40.6 acres and contains 176,967 square feet including the 2000 addition. Only the 2000 addition has handicap access, according to the OSFC assessment.
The building itself is inadequate for the enrollment of nearly 1,400 students. Based on the square footage, teaching stations and grades housed, the capacity is 1,060, the OSFC concluded.
Complete renovation would cost $28.3 million.
The original heating, ventilation and air conditioning system is in poor condition, while the HVAC for the 2000 addition is in fair condition. The assessment recommends a new HVAC system to achieve compliance with Ohio Building Code and Ohio School Design standards and to replace the the existing duct work to facilitate efficient exchange of conditioned air.
Complete overhaul of the HVAC system is estimated to cost around $6.1 million of the total cost.
The roof of the original building is in poor condition, while the roof installed with the 2000 addition was deemed to be in fair shape. However the entire roof needs to be replaced to meet Ohio School Design Manual guidelines for its age.
While the electrical system is in fair condition, it needs to be replaced because spare parts are not readily available. There is no emergency generator and the majority of the classrooms are not equipped with adequate electrical outlets.
The plumbing system needs to be updated to include 37 new lavatories, 22 urinals, and 23 faucets and valves in addition to make sure drinking fountains meet ADA requirements.
The aluminum windows throughout the building need to be replaced, while some exterior walls need repair.
A long list of items under “general finishes” need to be replaced including the interior and emergency lighting, security system, gymnasium bleachers, toilet partitions, fire alarm system and kitchen equipment.
Handicapped access needs to be addressed as exterior entrances are not ADA compliant due to their size. Among the items needed are a new power-assist door opener, two chair lifts, one elevator with two stops, 18 toilets, 16 sinks, 9 urinals, 18 toilet partitions and 36 toilet accessories.
The technology system, exterior doors, sidewalks and asphalt parking lots need to be replaced as well.
“Some issues are more critical than others, but the fact is that money raised through the permanent improvement levy alone cannot cover the costs of all the needs …” Fielding said.
