Fairhope, Alabama
MINOR DAMAGE REPORTED
According to city hall sources, the 90 year old school on Church St. downtown has been vandalized at least twice recently; juvenile suspects were apprehended the first time, but no one yet for the second incident.
Windows were broken, graffiti sprayed on walls and the flooring in the old gymnasium/auditorium were damaged, according to one unconfirmed report.
The Fairhope police department has taken steps to increase security there, including more-frequent patrols and new video surveillance.
Fire is the primary concern for city officials; there are conflicting reports about the building's sprinkler system: some say it is operational, but others that it has been shut off to prevent water damage by leaks or broken pipes.
Mold is also a worry, since the air conditioning has been shut down since closing in 2011.
BUILDING'S FUTURE CONSIDERED
Various personnel from the city, FEEF, and other stakeholders have been meeting for some time (click) to formulate a proposition to take to the next Baldwin County School Board when it takes office in early November.
Sources say one proposal being considered is a long-term lease (99yr) -- with some kind of partnership including the city, FEEF, School Board, and a yet-to-be-named new non-profit corporate entity combining to upgrade and convert the building into a multi-use Performing Arts Venue and arts-oriented education classrooms -- to be made available to all children in the county. (A magnet-type school has been mentioned.)
Another option mentioned less frequently is for the city to purchase the property outright, since the county is desperately in need of funding to build more schools elsewhere.
Estimates to repair/upgrade the building range to over $10 million, to be shared by the city and the new non-profit -- via private donations, grants and other means.
When the cost to the city for leasing or purchasing the property comes up, Fairhope city officials are quick to point out that the city already spends over a million dollars annually supplementing local schools -- by providing and maintaining numerous school recreational facilities, various other "in-kind" services (ie. security), and contributing $350K annually for supplemental classroom needs for the last two years (Education Advisory Committee).
A decision on a proposal has been delayed for over a year and a half, mostly because current two-term School Board Representative Bob Callahan had committed to the property remaining a school only, even it means demolishing the old building.
He had made such promises to local citizens'-groups, such as the 'Save The K-1 Center' in 2011. He decided not to seek re-election earlier this summer.
Callahan was the only School Board member to vote against closing the school in March of 2011.
Cecil Christenberry will assume the office next month; and has indicated conditional support for the city's plans; but also is quick to point out he is only one of the six who will decide the matter.
(Note: At a community meeting in 2011, 'Save The K-1 Center's president Leslie Tarbella did mention a magnet school as an appropriate alternative -- among others (click here).)
PORTABLES TO BE DEMOLISHED
At last word, the three rapidly-deteriorating portable classrooms located in back are to be demolished soon; but the Pelican's Nest Science Lab, which is still in use, will remain for the time being.
MINOR DAMAGE REPORTED
According to city hall sources, the 90 year old school on Church St. downtown has been vandalized at least twice recently; juvenile suspects were apprehended the first time, but no one yet for the second incident.
Windows were broken, graffiti sprayed on walls and the flooring in the old gymnasium/auditorium were damaged, according to one unconfirmed report.
The Fairhope police department has taken steps to increase security there, including more-frequent patrols and new video surveillance.
Fire is the primary concern for city officials; there are conflicting reports about the building's sprinkler system: some say it is operational, but others that it has been shut off to prevent water damage by leaks or broken pipes.
Mold is also a worry, since the air conditioning has been shut down since closing in 2011.
BUILDING'S FUTURE CONSIDERED
Various personnel from the city, FEEF, and other stakeholders have been meeting for some time (click) to formulate a proposition to take to the next Baldwin County School Board when it takes office in early November.
Sources say one proposal being considered is a long-term lease (99yr) -- with some kind of partnership including the city, FEEF, School Board, and a yet-to-be-named new non-profit corporate entity combining to upgrade and convert the building into a multi-use Performing Arts Venue and arts-oriented education classrooms -- to be made available to all children in the county. (A magnet-type school has been mentioned.)
Another option mentioned less frequently is for the city to purchase the property outright, since the county is desperately in need of funding to build more schools elsewhere.
Estimates to repair/upgrade the building range to over $10 million, to be shared by the city and the new non-profit -- via private donations, grants and other means.
When the cost to the city for leasing or purchasing the property comes up, Fairhope city officials are quick to point out that the city already spends over a million dollars annually supplementing local schools -- by providing and maintaining numerous school recreational facilities, various other "in-kind" services (ie. security), and contributing $350K annually for supplemental classroom needs for the last two years (Education Advisory Committee).
A decision on a proposal has been delayed for over a year and a half, mostly because current two-term School Board Representative Bob Callahan had committed to the property remaining a school only, even it means demolishing the old building.
He had made such promises to local citizens'-groups, such as the 'Save The K-1 Center' in 2011. He decided not to seek re-election earlier this summer.
Callahan was the only School Board member to vote against closing the school in March of 2011.
Cecil Christenberry will assume the office next month; and has indicated conditional support for the city's plans; but also is quick to point out he is only one of the six who will decide the matter.
(Note: At a community meeting in 2011, 'Save The K-1 Center's president Leslie Tarbella did mention a magnet school as an appropriate alternative -- among others (click here).)
portable |
At last word, the three rapidly-deteriorating portable classrooms located in back are to be demolished soon; but the Pelican's Nest Science Lab, which is still in use, will remain for the time being.
K-1 school |
auditorium, 2013 photo |
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