Chardon Schools Facilities Update Highlights Cost of Aging Buildings

August 27, 2026 - 02:53

The conversation about air conditioning in Chardon Schools keeps coming up, especially when talk turns to changing start times. But according to Cheryl Fisher from ThenDesign Architecture, cooling these buildings is not as simple as just dropping in some new units. Fisher gave the Board of Education an update on the district's facilities master plan on Aug. 17, and the picture she painted was one of aging infrastructure that needs serious attention.

The main issue is that many of the school buildings were constructed decades ago, long before modern cooling systems were standard. Retrofitting them means dealing with old electrical systems, limited space for ductwork, and structural limits that make big changes difficult and expensive. It is not just about comfort either. Fisher pointed out that the longer the district waits, the more the problems compound. Roofs, boilers, windows, and plumbing are all reaching the end of their useful lives, and the cost to fix everything at once is staggering.

The board now has to weigh priorities. Do they spend millions on air conditioning, or do they fix a failing roof that could cause water damage? Fisher suggested a phased approach, tackling the most urgent issues first while planning for long-term improvements. But even that comes with a price tag that will likely require voter approval. For now, the district is gathering data and trying to figure out what is absolutely necessary versus what would be nice to have. The conversation is far from over, and the decisions made in the next few months will shape the schools for decades to come.