Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Facilities And Repurposing topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board approves leases for community programs as part of push to repurpose closed school properties
Summary
The Flint School District Board approved lease agreements for the Flint Soapbox Derby and El Ballet Folklorico at Pierce Elementary and discussed a broader strategy to repurpose closed buildings and avoid long-term vacancy.
The Flint School District Board of Education approved two lease agreements aimed at repurposing closed school property and bringing community programming into district facilities.
The board voted to approve a lease with the Flint Soapbox Derby and a separate lease with El Ballet Folklorico (listed in packet as El Ballet Folklorico Solianto) for space at Pierce Elementary. Both items were approved on roll-call votes with 6 yes and 1 absent.
Why it matters: Trustees said reusing closed school buildings for community programs helps prevent blight, reduces ongoing maintenance costs and provides local students with access to additional programming ranging from hands-on STEM to bilingual arts and cultural instruction.
What the programs said Kevin (last name not specified), a representative for the Flint Soapbox Derby, told trustees the organization offers “hands on STEM learning in a collaborative environment that builds community partnership” and plans to run workshops to build derby cars at Pierce in advance of an annual race. “We prioritize Flint students,” he said, and added that the program intends to offer year-round programming once capacity allows.
A supporter described El Ballet Folklorico as a nonprofit focused on preserving Mexican culture and providing music, dance and bilingual instruction; trustees said the organization has served the community for more than two decades and would offer discounted programming for Flint students.
Board discussion and policy context Trustees emphasized a larger board priority to avoid leaving recently closed schools vacant. “When we close school, we no longer will leave that building empty year after year,” a trustee said, noting past investment in renovated campuses and ongoing work with partners to demolish or sell irreparable properties. Trustees said the district has invested heavily in other school renovations and is now working to repurpose sites such as Pierce.
Several trustees said the board is in the process of developing a formal policy to govern leasing and disposition of property, and that formal lease applications will continue to go through legal review and require lessees to carry their own insurance and bonding.
Votes and next steps - Resolution 21.15 (lease agreement, Flint Soapbox Derby): approved by roll-call vote, 6 yes, 1 absent. - Resolution 21.16 (lease agreement, El Ballet Folklorico): approved by roll-call vote, 6 yes, 1 absent.
District staff and board planning leadership said they are fielding additional community interest and are developing a leasing policy to guide future decisions. Trustees urged community groups interested in space to contact district staff and noted that lessees are responsible for bonds and insurance under the lease terms.
Ending Trustees said repurposing closed schools is one step among many to address blight and strengthen neighborhood resources. They encouraged neighbors and community groups to provide feedback on the emerging leasing policy and to participate in the repurposing process.
