NEWS RELEASE
March 30, 2023
Mark Kowalski, Superintendent
Community Feedback Leads to Enhanced Safety Measures
at Liberty-Benton’s New PK-8 Building
Liberty-Benton Local Schools' all-new PK-8 building is set to open at the start of the 2023-2024 school year and showcases the district’s commitment to academics, arts, athletics as well as safety and security. The facility was thoughtfully designed with input from students, staff, and community members through the required Ohio Facilities Construction Commission’s Educational Visioning process and SHP, the project’s architect, to prioritize student learning in a 21st century designed building.
In addition to traditional safety measures, such as cameras, door-locking systems, and cutting-edge technology that all were included in the original scope and design, the district has been investigating additional safety enhancements throughout the project.
The Board of Education’s March 29 meeting resulted in a plan to implement additional safety measures in response to community feedback and the district collaboration team’s recommendations.
“We appreciate members of the community coming forward with their concerns and we thank the members of our collaboration team for their time and unwavering efforts,” said Superintendent Mark Kowalski. “It takes a village to protect and educate students in today’s world, and we are grateful for our community’s involvement and continued support.”
The state-of-the-art facility features an 800-seat performing arts space, two gymnasiums, a 375-seat commons area, as well as state of the art learning spaces and technology to enhance student learning. The building is being paid for with a combination of dollars from the state-funded Ohio Facilities Construction Commission and a bond issue passed by residents in May of 2019.