Fairfield-Echo.com

As part of its ongoing effort to improve facilities, the Talawanda School District may partner with local entities to share resources and any monies received from issues on the ballot.

At the board of education's meeting Monday, April 21, at the Reily Community Center, Superintendent Phil Cagwin said the board may borrow a page from Xenia Community Schools in Greene County, which has adopted the Under One Roof concept.

Under this model, school districts partner with other community agencies such as nonprofits for projects funded through a bond issue. For example, Xenia has collaborated with its local YMCA, Greene Memorial Hospital and Sinclair Community College to share a facility to be used by all groups. A bond issue for $132 million may be on the November ballot in Xenia, said its superintendent, Jeffrey Lewis.

That community complex saves approximately $4 million to $6 million in public funds annually by sharing resources, Xenia board member Robert Dillaplain has said.

Cagwin said the Under One Roof concept could not be implemented in time for any issue that might be on the ballot this year, but the board is very interested in discussing the idea. A meeting with Xenia officials is being considered for next month.

Talawanda has scheduled a work session for 6:30 p.m. May 6 at Talawanda High School's Auditeria. At that session, attendees may break into small groups to discuss options.

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