Snyder ISD officials really want to rid themselves of the old North Elementary campus, but the process isn’t as simple as hanging a “for sale” sign on the front of the building.
During their Thursday meeting, Snyder ISD trustees discussed ways to divest themselves of the building, which has been vacant for two years since its former tenant, Scurry County Head Start, moved to the Stanfield Family Enrichment Center.
The old campus was in a state of disrepair before Head Start relocated and things have only deteriorated in the meantime, officials said.
Clay Cade, Snyder ISD director of administrative services, said district employees check on the building several times a week, but it remains a target for vandals and thieves.
Cade said demolition is an option, albeit an expensive one. He estimated that it would cost $150,000 to conduct asbestos abatement and level the building.
Selling the building is another option, although the return would likely be meager, Cade said.
However, a potential buyer addressed the school board Thursday. Davina Douglass, director of the Love Your Community Development Corp., said her group is interested in taking ownership.
Douglass said she envisions the building becoming a shelter for the area’s homeless population.
“What people really need is housing,” Douglass told the school board. “I just want to give them a place where they can go and get a meal and have a place to stay for awhile.”
Snyder school officials will continue to consider possible dispositions for the old campus during future meetings.
Also Thursday, the school board extended through the 2020-21 school year the contracts of Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Rachael McClain, Cade, Director of Technology Jeff McGinnis, Director of Instructional Services-Federal Programs Kathy Scott, Director of Special Education Cheryl Bricken and Athletic Director Cory Mandrell. Trustees also approved a two-year contract for Chief Financial Officer Morgan Preston.
The board also approved more than $32,000 in purchases for the Snyder Intermediate School library, the first step in a district-wide upgrade of library resources.
It also ordered an election for May 4. At-large seats currently held by Lauren Collier and Steven Pena are up for election this year. Collier and Haley Leatherwood have filed for those seats.
The board also nominated trustee Carrie Richardson for Joe Taylor’s spot on the Scurry County Appraisal District.
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