Residents press Wooster board to reconsider proposed $7M modular classroom plan

Several community members used the public-comment period April 21 to urge the Wooster City Schools Board of Education to reconsider plans that would rely heavily on modular classroom trailers and close at least one elementary school if levies fail.

Gail Goodsoe (S25) said the district's recent $29,000 survey did not reflect community support for educating children in trailers and asked why the trailer solution had not emerged during the community outreach. She called the $7,000,000+ figure "an eyesore" and raised safety questions, asking how trailers would withstand tornadoes or provide safer, more secure facilities than brick-and-mortar buildings.

Connie Stork (public commenter) warned of additional hidden costs if trailers are purchased and installed: "There will be many additional cost to add even the most basic necessary equipment... sidewalks, fences, cameras, etcetera," she said, and argued that long-term repairs or additions to existing buildings would be a better solution.

Ted Hill (public commenter) praised the board for engaging the community at the facilities work session but expressed reservations about leaving Cornerstone open for closure and "the use of so many modular classrooms," requesting more discussion on modular placement and which grades would be housed in trailers.

Superintendent (S23) responded that staff are working on different modular configurations and expects to present recommendations by the May 19 board meeting; he emphasized logistics under review, including placement, staffing and traffic impacts.

Speakers framed their comments as concerns about safety, community process and long-term fiscal prudence; no formal vote on modulars occurred at the April 21 meeting.