SBCSC board makes decision on Kennedy building, closed corporation buildings
SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The South Bend School Board revisited and made some changes to the Facilities Master Plan nearly two years after it was adopted.
It's the plan that ultimately closed Clay High School and suggested various changes among the district's schools, including transferring programs to different facilities.
Specifically, the board voted to keep Kennedy Academy the way it is for the 2025-2026 school year, rather than moving their program to Lasalle Academy and reusing the Kennedy building for a new K-8 alternative education program.
That was the original plan intended for this school year, but since it didn't happen, the board it taking it off the table for next school year.
The building will now get a much-needed maintenance makeover and continue to operate as is.
"There are a lot of things that will need to be done in terms of deferred maintenance projects at Kennedy, so with this decision we have the clearance now to go ahead and do those so that we can ensure the safety, security, and proper educational environment for the kids at Kennedy," says SBCSC's Chief Financial Officer, Ahnaf Tahmid.
Board members are taking a hard look at the Facilities Master Plan and say they will revisit anymore updates they see fit, including if this change should be permanent.
They also made a decision on what to do with closed corporation buildings, some of which were caused by the Master Plan.
They voted to request a proposal to hire a real estate agency in order to sell those closed buildings.
The district's C.F.O. says this will help the buildings be properly appraised and get the best offers, as well as save the district money!
"We have a lot of old buildings, a lot of buildings that we do not use right now," explains Tahmid. "It costs approximately $200,000 for the corporation to do upkeep and pay the utilities for those closed buildings."
Tahmid says now that he has the board's approval, they will begin to advertise for real estate agencies to submit their proposals, and they will go with the agency that will charge them the lowest commission.