Challenge:
Without a building or construction levy passed by voters since 1964, and with continuous enrollment growth, 260 students in a Ohio School District were being involuntarily bused to schools outside their neighborhoods at a cost of $40,000 per year. In addition, school officials believed that some parents and students were leaving the district due to overcrowding. The district and its architect worked to determine the best solution for students and staff. A plan was proposed that would add 8 new Classrooms at the elementary school where neighborhood children had been bused to other schools for the past 6 years. Each new Classroom would support 25 to 27 students and be wired for technology to include computers and the public address system.

Alternatives Reviewed:

1. Do nothing due to budget constraints — not feasible as overcrowding impacted the educational outcome for   students.
2. Construct a traditional, site built building addition — not feasible due to lack of funding and the time required   for site built construction. There was an immediate need for additional Classroom    space.
3. Install four 2-Classroom buildings or eight 1-Classroom buildings— not feasible due to limited school ground space and 30 - 40% higher temporary construction costs to connect site utilities and technology for 4 to 8   separate structures.
4. Install one 8-Classroom, modular building — the Innovative Modular Solution.

Solution:
Public bids were solicited and the District contracted with Innovative Modular Solutions (IMS). IMS provided an energy-efficient, 8,600 square foot modular building that includes 8 climate controlled, 28’ x 30’ Classrooms, separate restroom areas for boys, girls and teachers and a wet area for use by custodians. Construction was
completed during the summer. Students occupied the building in time for the beginning of Fall semester.

• Most students in the district can now attend their home schools. Parental satisfaction is improved.
• Transportation cost savings transferred into the general fund for other improvements to education in the district.
• The need for additional permanent space remains at many of the other schools in the   district. The modular  Classrooms, however, ease the crowding and help improve education for the next four to five years.