Follow along on our refreshed
New Facilities page by clicking the New School icon in the website dashboard as the building project is FINALLY able to make progress. We hope to share a weekly update on the webpage with pictures and video.
Construction Resumes This May
We’re excited to share an important update on the Margaretta PK–12 New School Facility project: construction is officially scheduled to restart by the end of May 2025, with the goal of completing the project by December 2026. This progress comes after multiple years of hard work, planning, and persistence. Despite numerous setbacks—including legal delays and rising costs—our commitment to delivering a modern, high-quality educational facility for our students has never wavered.
What’s Happening Now
The construction schedule has been re-established, bids are in, and all systems are go. We’ve moved through the necessary pre-construction steps and are ready to get back to work. We’re also pleased to continue collaborating with the Ohio School Facilities Commission (OFCC), which is funding 38% of the project—a vital contribution to keeping the project on track financially.
Project Timeline Highlights
- March 2023: Construction was paused after the tax appeal by the Lorain County Auditor that challenged the Nexus pipeline tax settlement, our primary project funding source.
- August 2024: The Ohio Supreme Court ruled 4–3 to uphold the original Nexus tax agreement, allowing us to resume the project.
- February 2020 to Now: Inflation has raised our total project cost from $40 million to approximately $67 million. The OFCC has verbally agreed to cover their share of the increased cost, with formal approval expected in July 2025.
Construction & Financing Progress
- GMP Bids Received: Preliminary bids received from Mosser, our Construction Manager at Risk (CMR), places the total construction cost at $66.9 million, aligned with today’s market conditions.
- Financing Secured: The Certificates of Participation (COPs) financing process is complete, securing $56.8 million (representing the preliminary GMP bid less the amount already spent and utilizing some of our new facility reserve cash on hand).
- Next Steps: Final board approvals, including steel bids and material planning, are underway to lock in pricing and minimize risk.
Why This Matters
Our current buildings, constructed in 1913 and 1922, have served generations of students—but they no longer meet the needs of today’s learners. This new facility will:
- Bring all grade levels under one roof
- Provide flexible, safe, and modern spaces for teaching and learning
- Serve as a lasting community asset for decades to come
Thank You!
Your continued support and patience have carried us through a complex journey—and now, we’re on the cusp of building something truly transformative. We look forward to sharing progress updates with you as construction resumes and our vision for a stronger future becomes reality.