Jamestown Community News and Events
Updated News as of  October 28, 2007

IMPORTANT DECISIONS AHEAD FOR GREENEVIEW SCHOOLS

   Thursday, evening Aug 23, 2007, was a significant date for the future of the Greeneview Local School District, in that the school board, given two choices of either renovation of the Silvercreek School Building or demolition and new construction, chose the latter option by a 3/2 vote.

   Greeneview is on the "fast track" for funding via the Ohio School Facilities Commission with $10.7 million available, subject to passage of a local levy so as to provide funding which is necessary to qualify for the state monies within one year.  The clock starts in November 2007.  There will be three opportunities to pass this local levy - March, August or November, 2008.  Should this not occur, the $10.7 million goes away forever.  Thus, the background scenario of the Aug 23 board vote.

   Renovation of the beautiful and historic Silvercreek Building would cost $700,000 less than demolition and new construction on the site.  The litany/rationale for demolition seems to be that a 70 year old building has too many inherent problems, although these can be solved.  Perhaps, though, there are other equally significant and salient facts which are valid as well, including but not limited to the following:

     1. The Silvercreek Township School which opened in early 1937 was a major step forward in that eight separate schools throughout the district were combined into one state-of-the-art facility which was then, and still is, one of the most beautiful buildings in all of Greene County.

     2.  The architectural characteristics of the present building, both exterior and interior, encompass features that would not be incorporated into new construction, regardless of budgetary parameters.

     3.  Jamestown has lost many of its historic buildings by fires which were not the fault of the owners.  This local history can never be replaced.

     4.  Just because a facility (regardless of use or purpose) happens to be 70 years old, it should not be consigned to the trash heap, on that basis alone.

   If this is the criterion by which a structure is eliminated or renovated, then we are really falling way behind and have lots of razing and replacement projects which must be addressed immediately, namely:  Greene County Court House the few remaining covered bridges, Jamestown's Opera House, Methodist Church, AME Church, Zion Baptist Church, Presbyterian Church, Friends Church, Victory Baptist Church (formerly Church of Christ), former Farmers and Traders Bank Building as well as most, if not all, of downtown Jamestown, most of Cedarville, Bowersville, New Jasper, Paintersville, the White House, the U.S. Capital, the Washington Monument, Mount Vernon, Monticello, the Hermitage, the Statehouse in Columbus, Ohio Stadium just to name a few.  Oops, forgot a few others the Pyramids in Giza, Buckingham Palace, the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, etc. (so much work, so little time!)

   The Ohio Historic Preservation Office has officially determined the Silvercreek Township School Building is a viable candidate for nomination to the National Historic Register.  Such an opportunity should not be dismissed out of hand.  However, of prime importance is the education of the young people in the school district.  The population of GLSD has always been strong in their support of quality education.  That said, it is also a truism that buildings per se, do not make or break an educational regimen.  Rather, it is the quality of the administration, faculty and positive attitudinal support of the community that is the foundation upon which rests the quality and future of primary and secondary education.  2008 will be an important year.  Author:  Dean Gordon - Guest Columnist - dated September 20, 2007, Greene county News Service, Xenia, Ohio

COMMENTS ON THE ABOVE ARTICLE:

   Having been born in Jamestown and graduated from Silvercreek High School.  I whole heartedly agree with Mr. Dean Gordon.  Tearing down and building a new building I believe is wrong.  Like Mr. Dean said "Just because a facility (regardless of use or purpose) happens to be 70 years old, it should not be consigned to the trash heap, on that basis alone."  I for one, having researched the ages of homes in Jamestown, know for a fact that 80 to 85 percent of the homes in Jamestown proper is 100 years or older.  Having just complete the research on my home, I found out my home was built in 1878, and structurally it's more sound than new construction.

   If you agree or disagree with Mr. Dean's article that's not the issue.  How you can voice your opinion is:  GET OUT AND VOTE IN MARCH that will be the determining factor.

Jim Sutton

   I see no reason to destroy the old school house as it is a nice building!  Why don't they consider turning it in to a home for seniors citizens or maybe a nursing home for the aged.  Or even apartments could be considered!  These type of facilities in California are extremely popular and these buildings are being built quite rapidly!  It would be a source of income plus a place for the older citizens to live as they age. 

Senior Citizens need a facility like this during their remaining years, since they can't keep up with maintaining their homes due to aging!.  It could accommodate people from all over Greene County, not just Jamestown!

   The OSSO home was converted to an assisted living home as my brother is living their at present.  However, Jamestown may have such a facility and I'm not sure there is a need for two senior living facilities in Jamestown! 

   My Vote is to keep Silvercreek and find a useful need for the building!

Bud Moorman, California

   Steve and I both attended the "Old" Jamestown Silvercreek building as Freshmen, and Sophomores and graduated from Greeneview High School!  The current building, in the point, is one of the historical focal points of Jamestown and a well known landmark in Greene county.  It would be very shortsighted to tear it down and replace it with a new structure that would soon become outdated too.  Wasn't the "Old" Jamestown Silvercreek School recently rehabilitated with new windows/doors etc.?  I'm sure, as with all 70 year old structures, that there are items that need updated/repaired, but cannot imagine that the cost is prohibitive.

   I especially remember some older students carrying a handicapped boy up and down the stairs for classes, the lunchroom study hall where you stood for 45 minutes holding your books  if caught talking, the formal dances in the gym where the girls all wore dresses, had flowers, and the boys were decked out in white sports coats, the old band room behind the bleachers, the well attended basketball games, and the "Blue Moon" variety Show.  There were proms, homecoming crowning, science classes, and great lunches.  I remember choir practice, concerts, and award presentations on the last day of school.  I even remember taking a typing class during the summer because it wouldn't fit into my high school schedule.

   Let's keep Jamestown's historical structures intact by finding ways to improve the current building so our current students can be part of Jamestown's history, and begin forming their own memories.  We previous students will still be able to enjoy its stately presence, and beauty as we pass by.

Steve & Brenda Bradds

ARTICLE SUBMITTED TO GREENEVIEW SCHOOL BOARD

OCTOBER 15, 2007

RE:  Alternate Proposal for Greeneview School Board Consideration.

   This letter is submitted to express my view and that of others in the community concerning the school issues currently under consideration.  I have attended recent community and School Board meetings and spoken to others who also share my concerns.

   Neither my wife nor I attended Greeneview Schools, or have we had any children or grandchildren attend Greeneview Schools.  However, my wife is a retired teacher who has negotiated teacher contracts and is a Board Member of the Ohio Retired Teacher's Association.  I own a land planning and engineering company whose business is sustained by local economy.  It is from this background that we voice our opinion on the new school plans.

   There can be no question that the economic vitality of the school system equates to the quality of education.  Indirectly, community pride, property values, and the local economy are also reliant on the excellence of the schools.  One only has to look at other communities in Greene County for proof that the quality of life and local economy is tied to the viability of the schools.

   That being said, the Greeneview School Board is considering a proposal that will affect both the school system and community into the foreseeable future.  To take advantage of State Funding for new school construction, the Board is considering asking the voters to approve adding $0.50 to the current income tax.  I support this option over a real estate tax.  The consensus of those I have spoken to also support this option for the local share.

   Although the method of taxation may be supported, the overriding issue in the community that will doom any proposed tax to defeat is the planned demolition of the most-significant monument in Jamestown, the original High School building.  This decision has alienated the community so much that the common sense judgment of the School Board is being severely criticized.  Being residents of the District, our interest is in maintaining and increasing the property values in the Jamestown community.  Having no ties to the school, my wife and I have tried to look at this objectively and feel the demolition of the High School has to be reconsidered for the additional income tax to have any change of approval or the positive impact for which it is intended.  This end, I offer the following for the School Board's consideration:

     1.  Remove the demolition of the original High School Building from the equation.

     2.  Consider obtaining land for the new elementary school from a nearby landowner.  A landowner who would gift land for a new school would receive substantial benefit.  The land would be considered a "Charitable gift" and would become a tax credit at its appreciated value and could be deducted over a period of five years.  Perhaps the new school could be named after the donor.  The value of the land might also offset some of the local funding share.

     3.  The suggestion has been voiced for the schools to partner with the Jamestown Historical Society for use of the Opera House in lieu, and saving the cost of, a new performing arts facility.  This is a great idea as long as no public money is used to complete the renovation work.  To accomplish this, and agreement should be formulated to convey or lease the original High School building to the Jamestown Historical Society (for $1.00).  The Historical Society could then develop the building converting it into an economically vital asset providing new jobs and income to both Jamestown and the schools.  Based on the average family income in Jamestown, this building alone could add as much as $8.7 million to the local economy.

     4.  The existing Board Offices would remain thus saving the cost of a new administration building.

   Public schools have only two ways to increase funding and/or maintain the quality of education.  That is, raise taxes or expand the tax base.  The preference should be expanding the tax base.  By saving the old High School building and allowing it to be utilized for economic development, the Greeneview School Board will be applauded and will receive deserved recognition for their ingenuity and foresight.  This decision could also be precedent setting for public school funding in other districts.

   The report, presented by Mr. Cashell with RBC Capital Markets at the last School Board meeting, points out the disparity in real estate valuation in the District.  We are largely dependent on agricultural and residential valuation with little commercial and industrial growth that provides much higher tax valuation.  It is an absolute fact, school boards have virtually no voice in the economic growth or development in their district.  School Boards are held hostage in this regard by planning agencies, zoning boards, township trustees, and village councils.  School Boards cannot control their own destiny regarding increasing the tax base even though they receive approximately 70 cents out of every real estate tax dollar.  School Boards need to have the ultimate right of approval on economic development in their district.

   A decision by the Greeneview School Board to save the school so that it can become a valuable asset in the Jamestown community will not be subject to review or rejection by any other agency, council, trustee, or zoning board.  This decision will be theirs along and will not only save the tax payers money, but may also win the support of the voters in the Greeneview District such that the proposed tax issue on the ballot might just be approved.

(Above article was written by Louis A. Green, a Jamestown resident.)

If after reading the above letter to the Greeneview School Board and you would like to make comment, please reply to me at:  willie1@dragonbbs.com

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