Between October 28 and October 31, members of the Board of Education visited nine school communities under consideration for consolidation and closure. These visits offered valuable insights into the unique strengths, needs, and challenges of each school. From the visit, four thematic categories can be identified based on observations, comments, and experiences.

Fairwood Elementary School

1. Strong Community and Partnerships

• Themes: Community involvement, wraparound services, and staff dedication.

Explanation: Fairwood benefits from strong community partnerships, including collaborations with Ohio State University, urban farming programs, and local initiatives such as coat drives and student enrichment activities. The staff is diverse, consistent, and deeply invested in the students' success. These relationships foster a close-knit, supportive environment that enhances the school's culture and positively impacts students' experiences.

2. Facility and Infrastructure Challenges

• Themes: Outdated building, lack of ADA compliance, and inadequate classroom space.

Explanation: Fairwood's infrastructure is outdated, with issues such as broken ceiling tiles, leaks, and insufficient lighting. PreK and kindergarten classrooms lack restrooms, and the second floor is inaccessible for those with mobility needs. The gymnasium serves dual purposes as a cafeteria, further highlighting space limitations. While there have been recent investments, such as a new playground, the overall building condition raises significant concerns about the school's capacity to meet modern educational standards.

3. Enrollment and Space Utilization

• Themes: Declining enrollment, and underutilized spaces.

Explanation: Fairwood is experiencing a decline in enrollment, which has left some classrooms empty or underutilized while others, such as special education spaces, are overcrowded. This imbalance creates challenges in resource allocation and space management. The school's non-traditional grade band structure, including 6th graders in an elementary setting, further complicates its enrollment and space dynamics.

4. Leadership and Student Engagement

• Themes: Strong leadership, academic focus, and positive school culture.

Explanation: Fairwood's principal has deep ties to the community and district and provides strong leadership that promotes a positive and calm school culture. Teachers are dedicated and actively engage students in their learning, as evidenced by full PreK classrooms and student-led initiatives such as student council. The school is working to improve academic performance and implement district curriculum effectively, creating a supportive and engaging student environment despite challenges.