Board authorizes administration to coordinate early learning center site stabilization with county

Richland School District One’s board voted unanimously Tuesday to authorize the administration, pursuant to legal advice, to consult with Richland County and project contractors and engineers to remove structures or make site improvements needed to maintain or improve stormwater retention at the early learning center site and to leave the property in a condition that maximizes future usability.

Commissioner Devine moved the motion authorizing the administration to "consult and work with applicable authorities, including Richland County, as well as project engineers and contractors to remove any built structures or improvements that are recommended... to maintain and improve site stormwater retention and to leave the early learning site in a physical state that maximizes its potential use for future purposes." The motion was seconded and carried unanimously.

Chair Lomenek clarified that the board would retain control of the land and that the authorization gave administration flexibility to coordinate closeout steps with county officials and contractors. Dr. Witherspoon confirmed that land ownership remains with the district and that the motion was intended to allow immediate and necessary site work to meet county or engineering recommendations while preserving future board options for the property.

The motion follows the site’s termination/closeout review; district staff will proceed with required actions to address stormwater and site stabilization in coordination with county authorities and contractors.