April 29, 2024
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Baker Elementary |
French Elementary |
Woodville Heights Elementary |
At its regular meeting on April 18, 2024, the Board of Trustees approved a recommendation from Superintendent Dr. Errick L. Greene and the administration for the demolition of the following closed school sites:
- Baker Elementary, located at 300 E. Santa Clair Street
- French Elementary, located at 311 Joel Avenue
- Woodville Heights Elementary, located at 2930 McDowell Road Extension
After several weeks of deliberation by the Facilities Repurposing Advisory Committee (FRAC), it was recommended that the aforementioned buildings be demolished due to a lack of interest from potential buyers for redevelopment, primarily attributed to their location. Superintendent Greene stated, "We determined that the economic value and condition of those properties were not strong after a Request for Interest was issued. We can no longer afford the carrying costs for maintaining the upkeep of the buildings, which have become victims of vandalism." The district's inability to ensure the vacant buildings' security further contributed to the recommendation.
A demolition date has not been scheduled yet. The district will be seeking input from the community on what to do with the empty spaces once demolition is completed. Some options could include green spaces or neighborhood walking trails or community gardens.