Everly council raises concerns about school
Non-profit firm slated to buy entire property for $5,000
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SENTINEL-NEWS FILE PHOTO
The former CC/E 7-12 grade building closed in June 2019.
The potential fate of one of the largest properties in Everly is making some city officials nervous.
Mayor Brad Behrens on Monday expressed concerns about the former Clay Central/Everly 7-12 grade building changing hands. The school board last month agreed to sell the entire property, including outbuildings, to Guardian Education and Athletic Services (GEA) for $5,000. The non-profit firm plans to transform the facility into an "intermediate college program" for post-secondary students interested in honing both their academic and athletic skills for the next level.
Behrens prefaced his concerns by saying he hoped GEA would succeed; however, he feared the city would be on the hook for the building if the firm's business plan fails. With the district dissolving all interest in the building once the sale is complete, CC/E will seemingly have no obligation to tear down the former school if it eventually becomes abandoned.
"I want to be positive about it, but on the other hand, it could become a big concern," Behrens said.
Behrens was also frustrated the school board had very little discussion with GEA representatives Brent Koppie and JJ Cassaro during last month's meeting. The two men provided a brief overview of their plans for the building before making the $5,000 offer, but there was no discussion about demolition responsibilities if things go south.
The mayor noted that he interjected towards the end of the school board meeting to express his opinion, but he said board members remained rather quiet.
"I want to stay positive about it," Behrens reiterated. "I hope it's positive in the end and I don't want to be negative, but on the other hand, I need to look out for Everly."
Council members understood Behrens' concerns and felt the perspective needed to be shared at any future public hearings regarding the building's sale. The 10.8-acre property is still owned by CC/E, according to online property records.
"It's a great deal for them," said Council Member Tara Patrick. "But for our community as a whole, maybe it's not a good idea for Everly [long term]."
According to discussion at last month's school board meeting, GEA is hoping to have a soft opening in the spring 2021 semester with around 10 students. A hard opening would follow in the fall of 2021 with between 36-60 students, and if capacity goals are met within the first year of operation, the next goal would include expansion of facilities and staff to accommodate up to 100 students per year.
The CC/E school board's next meeting is Monday, Aug. 24. The agenda released Tuesday did not mention the Everly school building.
