Photos Provided Bridgeport Exempted Village School District Superintendent Brent Ripley, board of education member Don Cash and Maintenance and Transportation Supervisor Dave Lewis show Ohio Facilities Construction Commission Maintenance Administrator Bill Bibbey the auxiliary gym as part of his tour.

BRIDGEPORT — The Bulldogs are committed to building on what they have, and the school complex has seen extensive improvements since opening its doors in 2007.

On July 16, administrators and officials of Bridgeport Exempted Village School District welcomed Ohio Facilities Construction Commission Maintenance Administrator Bill Bibbey for his regular tour of the building, which houses pre-kindergarten through high school classes.

Every five years, Bibbey tours facilities constructed with OFCC funding. Bibbey shared maintenance plan options and saw the many innovations built into every aspect of the building.

Superintendent Brent Ripley, school board member Don Cash and Maintenance and Transportation Supervisor Dave Lewis guided Bibbey on the tour.

Beginning as a building to house kindergarten through 12th grades, the district then added a preschool to offer young children and families an early introduction to Bulldog life. Ripley said the district has turned a positive corner, with an increase of almost 40 new students in open enrollment.

The exercise science center has proven another popular addition.

“We’ve done a lot of improvements here at this facility.”

Ripley and Cash said a facility to house all grade levels reflected a community philosophy, with high school peer tutors able to meet and mentor elementary schoolers.

Ripley took the opportunity to point out improvements such as a roof replacement, the installation of a new chiller to reduce the power bill, sealing around the exterior of the windows, and variable air volume valves in every classroom.

Bridgeport Schools’ integration of technology with learning was also evident with smart boards in every classroom. Ripley added the students’ iPads are updated every three years.

“With the improvements that we’ve made to our facility over the years to keep up with the maintenance of the building. It was nice to have him come through, because a lot of the things that we’ve done were on his list, so it’s good to be ahead of the game.”

The tour touched on how the state-funded multipurpose facility to be dubbed “the Bridge” and under construction on campus will impact the existing operations, such as enabling the smaller auxiliary gym to be used for wrestling practice.

Bibbey was impressed with all that he saw and offered advice, such as the option to use the state’s 034 Maintenance Fund for upkeep on the building.

Ripley thanked him for coming.

“Delightful gentleman. He really shared some things with us that we can utilize down the road, and some tips and hints just to continue to take good care of the building we have here, because the taxpayers entrusted this district to do work and to take care of this facility, so we want this facility to last another 80-100 years.”

Bibbey said the district is in good standing.

“They’re doing a very good job, replacing roofs and things of that nature,” he said. “Overall, it takes a lot of internal work, and now they’re working on changing the building automation software. That’s all important, tying everything together, and that will help the longevity of the building as well.”