The Cleveland City Schools Site Committee met Wednesday to discuss the challenge of planting trees over the school’s geothermal wells.
According to board member Bill Brown, the concern with planting trees over the wells is tree roots seek water sources.
“In the long term, it could be a serious problem with roots getting in the wells,” said Brown.
According to the ordinance, its purpose is also to provide a canopy to reduce water in parking lots and reduce asphalt parking temperatures.
Cleveland City Schools Director Dr. Rick Denning plans to meet with city officials soon to discuss an alternate arrangement.
This is the first city construction project to create a conflict with the ordinance.
The site committee voted to add two small renovation project requests to the agenda of the board’s regularly scheduled monthly meeting, June 7. The renovation projects are replacing tile in the east wing of Cleveland High School and installing a handicap accessible restroom at the Cleveland City Schools central office. Cleveland City Schools Director Dr. Rick Denning noted if the board of education approves the renovations, the projects can be financed through funds available with the sales tax revenue.
Denning noted the board of education should also consider future plans of either building a new central office or relocating the central office to a larger building as space is currently limited at its current location.
Cleveland City Schools will receive bids for the George R. Stuart Elementary renovation project beginning Friday at 1 p.m. at the central office.
The project, which will include restroom renovations, lowering ceilings, painting, gymnasium repair and window replacements, is estimated at $200,000.
The architect for the project is Ken Kress with Associated Architects.
