Western Reserve schools to get $24.4 million for new building

COLUMBUS — The Western Reserve Local School District’s construction project was among more than three dozen statewide that have been given the green light by the Ohio School Facilities Commission.

The agency approved a total of $1.9 billion for projects at 40 districts across the state, to be financed through a combination of state and local funding. Western Reserve was OK’d for a $24.4 million project to build a building to house all students in the district. The state share will be about $13.2 million, with the district paying about $11.2 million. The state commission announced the approved projects late Thursday.

The Ohio Department of Education annually ranks school districts using a formula pinpointing property wealth. Those receiving the lowest ranking are targeted for funding through commission.