The Old Primary School Building and Park

What To Do With The Old Primary School Building?

Barbara Sexton, Vern Harpole

A small committee from Horizons met with School Superintendent Martin Huffman on Thursday March 19. The subject: “What can the Community do to help the school district resolve the problems with the old “Primary School Building”? They were very impressed with Mr. Huffman’s work in maintaining the building since it was decommissioned in 1996, and learned it is a big drain on the school budget. But, Mr. Huffman was very receptive to ideas from the community to make the space and building usable again if someone or some group could relieve the school district of the financial burden.
The committee then advanced to the School Board meeting that evening, where there was a larger audience of about 15-20 interested Horizon and Community members in attendance. The group led by Vern Harpole and Barbara Sexton asked for the following from the school board:

1. A delay in the demolition plans, to give the community a chance to look for alternatives.
2. Reports and updates concerning the old school will be put on the School Board’s agenda each month.
3. A committee will be formed to collect information on cost alternatives, community interest and propose solutions to help the school board.

Common goals for this project would be:

• Finding a way to defray the costs to the district
• Thriving community = thriving school
• Useable community space
• Shared responsibility and Community involvement.

Initial work has been done by the Horizon Project and was briefly explained. It was noted the Horizon’s Study Circles came to the conclusion the community needs an activity center and suggest the school building would be the ideal place.
All who are interested in developing a solution that will benefit the town and school district are encouraged to attend a meeting Monday April 13, 7 PM in the basement of The Lyle United Methodist Church. This project really concerns the welfare of our town, and will require lots of help, expertise, energy, and money. If you have questions or are ready to help, please contact Vern at vharpole@aol.com or at (509)480-2607.