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Board authorizes negotiations to lease former Athens campus to Center for Health Empowerment pending final terms
Summary
The South San Antonio ISD Board voted to allow administration to negotiate a lease with the Center for Health Empowerment in South Texas (CHEST) for the former CareZone/Athens Elementary building at 2707 W. Gerald. The board’s approval lets staff finalize terms and return with a formal agreement; one trustee abstained.
The South San Antonio ISD Board of Managers voted Monday to allow district staff to negotiate lease terms with the Center for Health Empowerment in South Texas, a nonprofit led by Adriana Rocha Garcia, for the former CareZone/Athens Elementary facility at 2707 W. Gerald.
The motion, described by district staff as authorization to begin formal negotiations, does not by itself finalize a lease. Administration said the proposed arrangement would mirror existing district leases and would require CHEST to assume building maintenance during the term. Legal review and final board approval would follow completion of negotiations.
District staff told the board the facility needs general cleaning, minor HVAC maintenance and separation of the building’s fire alarm panel from the adjacent campus system before occupancy. The facility committee was briefed on the proposal on Oct. 6, and the district indicated it would present a redlined agreement to CHEST and the district attorney for review.
Adriana Rocha Garcia, president and CEO of CHEST, told the board the organization would prioritize South San ISD students but intends to serve the broader ZIP code. "We will, definitely prioritize, but we want to help everybody in the zip code essentially," she said during the discussion.
Trustee Jesus Rendon III abstained from the roll-call vote; the motion carried with the remaining trustees voting yes. The board chair noted Dr. Rendon’s abstention and the administration will return to the board with a draft lease for formal approval.
The district said the arrangement could generate revenue for a facility currently unused and provide space for community health services and job pipeline activities linked to health careers. District staff and the CHEST representative said final terms, price and a timeline will be presented to the board once negotiations conclude.
