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Oakwood schools introduce design and construction partners and weigh modular swing-space option for major renovations
Summary
Oakwood School District introduced Richley Architects and a construction partner and described a master facility plan to comprehensively renovate Harvard and Smith elementary schools. District leaders said they are considering three large modulars on nearby city-owned green space as temporary swing space and will seek community input before any decision.
Oakwood School District introduced its design and construction partners for a major renovation effort and outlined an early proposal to use modular buildings as temporary swing space while Smith and Harvard elementary schools undergo comprehensive work.
At the May 11 board meeting, Mark Richley of Richley Architects described the firm's history of work in Oakwood and said Richley Architects will lead design for the district's renovation projects. Tony Villi, representing the district's construction partner, said his firm will act as the district's construction manager, with named staff to oversee preconstruction and project execution.
The superintendent told the board that state-matched funds from the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission have shifted the district's plans from targeted repairs to full building renovations, and that district staff are "exploring an option for three large modulars to serve an entire elementary school as swing space on the city-owned green space between Smith Elementary and Wright Memorial Library." The superintendent added, "This would allow construction to occur in an entirely unoccupied building for approximately one school year at each school," and said staff estimate it would reduce phase-driven mobilizations and could shorten overall construction duration.
District officials emphasized that the modular option is preliminary. "There has been no decision at this time," the superintendent said, and staff flagged operational questions that would need resolution before proceeding: how lunch service would be handled, local traffic and parking impacts, shared-space logistics for gym/library/art, and rental cost and logistics for modular units.
Officials said using off-site or modular swing space could reduce in-school disruption and ease complex tasks such as asbestos abatement by allowing work in unoccupied buildings. The superintendent also said the district is consulting with the city and Wright Memorial Library and will survey the community to collect feedback before recommending a formal plan.
The board heard that Richley Architects previously completed local projects and that the construction partner has K–12 experience; both firms said they will work with the district on design, estimating and build sequencing. District staff said further community engagement and detailed cost and schedule information will follow as the team develops options.
Next steps include public outreach, additional vetting with architects and the construction manager at risk, and a community survey the district plans to issue in the coming days. No formal vote or contract award was recorded in the meeting minutes; the presentations were introductory and staff described them as part of ongoing procurement and design work.
