Yesterday (12.5), we put out a blog post that discussed the I Am Boundless Property that is now back for sale and the district’s perspective that the property may make sense for a future Colonial Hills Elementary site. Today (12.6), I want to be transparent and make sure the community is aware that we have been additionally investigating another site for a different need.
For many years, we have been in desperate need of a new space for our Landscape Maintenance department. Landscape Maintenance is currently located in a shed with a gravel floor and interior gutters to divert rain water that sits behind Evening Street Elementary. It houses trucks, mowers, snow plows, salt, etc…For the entirety of my 16 years in Worthington Schools, we’ve been evaluating sites and looking for a solution for this building.
Recently, we made an offer on a property on Busch Boulevard. Long-time Worthington residents will recognize it as the former Sanese Services building. Currently, branded as Amazon building. The location of this property is ideal because it sits next to our current transportation building and our bus lot. (Vertical Adventures sits between the two properties.)
If we were able to successfully purchase this property, we could consolidate Landscape Maintenance with Facilities Maintenance (currently housed next to Linworth), which would create some operational efficiencies. This site would also enable us to relocate essential Transportation and Bus Driver offices and facilities, as well as eliminate the rental cost of several separated warehouse spaces by consolidating storage to one central location.
There are many positives! Because Worthington Schools has operated in a fiscally conservative way for many years, we are in a position to be able to explore this opportunity. It’s certainly possible the price point for the purchase will exceed our desires, and we won’t come to an agreement; however, we are optimistic and currently working to acquire the property.
-Trent Bowers, Superintendent
Absolute Excellence 