School Construction: Local tax dollars stimulate local economy

Thousands of children in grades kindergarten through fifth grade are not the only ones to benefit from the construction of five new elementary schools over the next two years --- local contractors, subcontractors, vendors and workers will also see a boost in their bottom line.

Scaparotti Construction Group, the construction manager for the building program, made a commitment to the Xenia Board of Education targeting a 25 percent Local Participation Goal.

“We have already taken the first steps before the first contracts are bid,” says Jim Froehlich, Regional Director for Scaparotti Construction Group. “We quickly recognized Xenia would be an ideal location for our new regional home.”

Setting up a new office space on North Detroit Street has already involved many contractors and suppliers in the area. Gerald Mathews Contractors, Reddy Electric, Xenia Glass, Geyers Office Supplies, Studio B signs, Handy Man Rentals and Lowes of Xenia have all contributed to the new offices.

Stan Mathews, a local resident with 35 years of construction experience, has joined Scaparotti as project superintendent and will serve as Froehlich’s ‘right hand man.’ “We have even included Graphic 2 to print the logo on our hard hats,” adds Froehlich.

Firms in Greene County are given priority, as well as Montgomery County firms that have documented Xenia residents as employees.

To generate awareness and encourage greater participation, Scaparotti Construction Group held a Contractor Matchmaking Session in early March. “The goal of the sessions is to link smaller contractors with larger firms that are planning to bid on the project,” says Froehlich. “Our event was well attended and we expect to see quite a few local contractors participating when the first project bids are opened in the near future,” he adds.

Elementary school students will also be weaved into the construction program. Students will visit the site at different phases to learn how their new school is built. “We frequently work with school administrations to find opportunities to include math and science lessons in a real-life setting. We want the kids to know that these schools are being built for them,” Froehlich says.

“Coming to Xenia has been a wonderful experience for us,” he adds. “The Xenia Chamber of Commerce and Xenia Economic Growth Corporation have been very supportive. Alan Liming, Chrissy Roundtree and Steve Brodsky have all been helping us since the day we arrived in town. We look forward to working with everyone in the community as we begin the construction phase of the building program,” he says.

Jim Froehlich is ready to greet local individuals, businesses and vendors and Scaparotti Construction Group Xenia Office at 36 N. Detroit St., Suite 103.