OSFC Approves $108.4 Million in School Construction Contracts
May 24, 2012 (COLUMBUS) – The Ohio School Facilities Commission (OSFC) has given its approval to over $108 million in construction trade contracts for work in 29 school districts across Ohio.
OSFC Executive Director Richard Hickman stated, “These 104 trade contracts represent a continuing investment in Ohio’s schools. Ohio’s ongoing school construction and renovation program is not only delivering high quality educational facilities, but it is also providing good jobs in lean economic times.”
Since its inception in 1997, the Commission has disbursed over $9.5 billion in state funding for school construction and renovation. Since the start of 2012, the Commission has approved contracts worth over $502 million.
Construction trade contracts are approved by the Commission after the competitively bid contracts are awarded by the local board of education.
About OSFC
Established in 1997, the Commission is responsible for administration of the state’s school construction and renovation program. The Commission is currently working with, or has completed all necessary work in, over half of the state’s 613 school districts. As of January 1, 2012, the Commission had opened 919 new or renovated buildings and had completely addressed the facilities needs of 214 districts across the state.
All school buildings currently being designed or built with OSFC funds seek certification under the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED® for Schools rating system. This national benchmark for high performing, energy efficient buildings provides parents, teachers and the community with verification that the school has been built to meet a high level of energy and environmental performance. Schools in districts approved for OSFC funding are being designed to meet at least LEED Silver Certification, with a goal of meeting the LEED Gold level. Two Ohio schools have achieved Platinum status, the highest certification level. In addition, 17 districts have achieved Gold certification, with another 12 obtaining Silver Certification.