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Ludlow Early Learning Center (LELC)
A ceremonial groundbreaking and building renaming event was held on August 11, 2024. Leaders from the District and City joined Ludlow residents, parents and early childhood education proponents to celebrate the kick-off of the renovation of the new Early Learning Center. Scheduled to open in August 2025, the building will welcome over 200 Pre-K children and 40 staff members to create a center of excellence in early learning. Parents of Pre-K or soon-to-be Pre-K students are urged to sign-up for updates on the enrollment process and other helpful information about the benefits of Pre-K experiences.
The architectural design team received conditional approval from the City’s Architectural Board of Review on October 7. This approval allows for construction to begin. Construction fencing will be erected over the next ten days. Access to the site, including the playground, will be prohibited through next summer.
Ludlow Project Tree Assessment
A Tree Assessment was conducted by a certified arborist in late August/September. The draft report is being reviewed by the District and City. It will serve as a guide for tree maintenance on the Ludlow site and those in the public right-of-way. The assessment is also being used to inform the location and design of the Pre-K and older children’s playgrounds. Proposed options will be shared with the Board of Education on October 21. The community will be invited to comment online. A reminder and link to the options will be sent in the next edition of this newsletter.
Facilities Advisory Committee (FAC)
Over a dozen Facilities Advisory Committee (FAC) members met at Shaker Heights Middle School on October 7. The design team presented an overview of the design activities conducted at the Woodbury Campus Design Leadership Launch held on September 20. These findings were shared with FAC members, who participated in small group discussion and a Q&A session to facilitate providing input into the schematic design process for the new Woodbury Campus.
Two FAC work groups will be formed for Sustainability and Athletics/Recreation to inform design decisions and program recommendations/policy for the Woodbury Campus. The Sustainability Work Group will focus on immediate activities, such as LEED certification for the new Woodbury Campus, and will work on updating the District Sustainability Policy. Items for discussion will include a wide array of topics including, but not limited to, composting, design/selection of heating and cooling equipment, use of alternative energy sources and equipment such as solar panels and EV charging stations, stormwater management techniques, and more. FAC and other community members interested in serving on these work groups should email pchoby@cobaltgroupinc.com.
Woodbury Campus Design Leadership Launch
The Woodbury Campus Design Leadership Launch took place on Friday, September 20 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with over 50 leaders. Participants included two members of the Board of Education, District administrators, Middle School and Onaway building leaders and faculty, Facility Advisory Committee members, as well as representatives of Shaker Schools bargaining units, swimming and athletics programs, Family & Friends Community Engagement, PTO, Shaker Schools Foundation, and City and regional leaders.
The work session served as the design kick-off of the Middle Years Building on the Woodbury-Onaway Campus. The agenda included an overview of the history of school construction in Shaker Heights, components of the District’s Long-Term Master Facilities Plan, and the educational vision and goals for the Woodbury building. Breakout sessions identified the site’s building constraints, adaptive reuse ideas for portions of the 1918 building, and ideas for the site layout of the new construction portion of the building, the natatorium, performing arts center, parking and greenspace.
Woodbury Neighbors Work Group
Woodbury neighbors are invited to participate in a Zoom call from 7-8 p.m. on Monday, October 14. Dr. Glasner and project architects will be providing an update on the Woodbury Campus project. All residents, but especially those living near the Woodbury Campus, are encouraged to participate. To join the virtual meeting, please go to bit.ly/WONeighbors. You may also dial in via phone at 305-224-1968. The Zoom meeting ID is 942 2518 2485.
Stay Tuned
In our next edition, there will be an update on the Middle Years Programme educational planning project launched this week.
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