Fairfield Local Schools, K-12 Facility

Leesburg, Ohio

Firm

SEM Architects

Client

Fairfield Local Schools

Area

130,000 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$13,450,543

Completion Date

12/2001

Fairfield Local Schools, in rural Highland County, Ohio, needed to replace the outdated elementary and 7-12 buildings, which were at opposite ends of the district. A new 100-acre site was donated by a resident.
With assistance in funding from the Ohio School Facilities Commission, the district built a 130,000-square-foot facility that houses K-5, 6-8 and 9-12 schools in three separate wings. Entrances on opposite sides of the building provide desired separation of traffic between K-7 and 8-12 levels. All grade levels share common support areas, with a fourth wing housing community-funded double gymnasiums, band, vocal and drama areas. A cafetorium with an insulated portable divider wall and central stage serves the school and its supportive community.
A large media center with separate areas for each school serves as the central hub, along with shared administrative spaces. Superintendent Scott Wilson says he speaks for the community in saying the building was thoroughly planned to be responsive to its needs.