DANVILLE — The future of the former Danville Intermediate School building was discussed at the December’s board of education meeting on Monday night.
Interest in the building stems from Danville Local Schools administration exiting the building next school year to 203 Ridge Street.
A poll was sent out to Danville residents earlier this year, asking what should happen to the building. Of the 161 respondents, 86% said yes, the building should be preserved rather than turned into rubble.
Some suggested the building could be remade into a library for the community.
Danville resident Pat Crow gave a proposal to the board, noting:
- The Danville Intermediate School building structure will not be demolished.
- It’ll be repurposed into an activities, cultural center and business development center for the benefit of the Danville area community.
- A long-term usage and repurposing plan for the building to be developed in cooperation with the Danville Local Schools District, the intermediate school building committee and the community at large.
- A building physical assessment be performed and a long-term renovation and rehabilitation plan be developed for the Danville Intermediate School Building.
- The committee and school district enter into negotiations with the intent to arrange and agree upon a long-term lease for the school building.
- The committee will reorganize, incorporate and submit for IRS 501(c)3 status.
“We are here tonight to officially request that the Danville Board of Education enter into talks with our community group to ascertain the disposition and direction we’re going to take as a community with the Danville intermediate school building,” Crow said.
The building’s structure appears to be “fundamentally sound” after an initial inspection was completed by a licensed structural engineer, Crow said.
Still, it may need repairs such as fixing the roof, window replacements, restroom renovations, required handicap accessibility, upgrades to the boiler system, a small service kitchen and internet connection, he noted.
“I appreciate all the work they’ve (the committee) put in,” Danville Supt. Jason Snively said.
The Danville supt. previously said he would like to see the building demolished to bring extra parking spots and needed security.
Snively read a list of recommendations for the board to consider regarding the intermediate building and the committee:
- The lease pays for the development of the lease document and lawyer fees, insurance on the building, all updates and maintenance, all utilities and taxes on the building.
- District Maintenance staff does not maintain or make any repairs to the building or HVAC (heating and cooling system.)
- Parking lot is reserved for school operations parking from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. when school is in session. Parking lot should also be reserved for school parking when there are performances and extra-curricular activities scheduled in the evening.
- District is not responsible for cleaning (snow removal) parking lot when school is not in session.
- It has been suggested to have at least a five-year lease agreement. With that, we should have some lease termination agreement if the building is not maintained. Also, I would suggest an agreement that if the lease is terminated or not renewed at the end of the five years, the district has no financial responsibility for anything encumbered during the lease.
Snively also said the district isn’t going to ensure the costs to bring it up to code, noting it’s not fair to the taxpayers if the school wasn’t going to be able to use it.
Board member Charles Bratton asked Crow: How would the committee pay the bills on the building and generate revenue?
“We don’t have an answer yet,” Crow said. “It will take several months to make those determinations. We can’t look for grants without having some sort of agreement (from the board) that it’s a possibility.”
Snively added his vision for the intermediate building is to be standing at least another year.
“We have no current plans to start demolition here.”
Also at the meeting, the board accepted and approved:
- Approved the purchase of 219 lockers from Rayhaven Group for $42,930.
- A $200 gift card donation from Peggy Dunn for the drama department.
- A $100 donation from Carolyn Addair for the girls and boys basketball program in memory of Glen Turney.
- A $510 donation from Jason and Dawna Stephens to pay off overdue lunch accounts.
- A $25 donation from Danville Tire; a $100 donation from Killbuck Savings Bank and a $100 donation from Straight A Signs for the robotics program.
- A $4,000 donation from Carol Didinger for the FFA program.
