MOUNT VERNON — The Mount Vernon Board of Education has approved an architecture firm for the district’s health center.
The hope is for the health center to be completed in March, though it could be pushed into next summer.
The architect firm, Fanning Howey, was approved June 1 by the board. They’ll produce a design, bid package and construction of the health center.
The near-expected $1.2 million project is being funded by a statewide grant and COVID-19 dollars, known as ESSR funds, board member Margie Bennett said via email.
“The architect has estimated an increase in the cost of the project from that first presentation to the board, resulting from the current high inflation and labor and supply shortages,” Bennett added.
Earlier in March, Gov. Mike DeWine announced the funding allocations, which includes $25.9 million awarded for 136 new or expanded School-Based Health Centers throughout Ohio, according to a previous Knox Pages report.
A $500,000 check is coming from the Ohio Department of Health in the form of a grant.
MVCS Superintendent Bill Seder hopes Fanning Howey comes back with designs in September, along with a bid package for eager statewide contractors who want to pick up the project.
“The challenge is finding contractor’s supplies to get things done in a timely manner,” Seder said. “(We’re) going to do our best to meet those timelines.”
Some waning concerns include lack of construction supplies and full work schedules, the superintendent said, adding that “everyone is facing similar challenges.”
Mount Vernon is partnering with Nationwide Children’s Hospital with the health center design, per the state grant agreement.
“We’re taking a portion of our high school industrial arts lab and transferring to the health center space,” Seder said.
The space has been used as an industrial arts lab since 1968, including 4,200 square feet, and future goals are to use it for multiple reasons. The district is also looking for partners that can provide other services, such as mental health counseling.
Seder is looking at forming a master facility planning committee that will work throughout the year to look at current facilities districtwide and see what improvements need to be made.
“Board members know the project will greatly benefit our students by providing convenient, age-appropriate healthcare, for which many families may not able to afford or access, due to transportation challenges,” Bennett said via email.
“We know that children and young people whose health needs are met are better able to focus on learning and to develop the confidence and positive self-image that will help them succeed.”
