New Ballet group seeks to buy Humes school, says $50 million needed to convert building into performing-arts campus

New Ballet Ensemble and School outlined a plan to acquire the vacant Humes school and convert it into Memoirs, a 6–12 performing-arts and technology school that would open with about 60–70 sixth-graders and grow to roughly 410–500 students.

The group’s founder, Katie Smythe, told the board the project must secure real estate this summer to be competitive for new-market tax credits. “We need an agreement or to purchase the building as is for $218,000, so that we can obtain this building,” Smythe said during the presentation. She later said the group estimates a $50,000,000 investment will be required to transform Humes into a performing-arts and technology school.

Why it matters: The proposal tries to pair private fundraising and federal/state incentives with a school model the presenters say would serve students countywide while sustaining deep neighborhood ties. Board members and staff emphasized timing and governance: the district is updating donation criteria and facilities policy, and any transfer or sale would require a formal board process and may include appraisal, bid or competitive steps.

What presenters described: Matthew Best, executive director (Duvalier Ensemble in School), and Smythe reviewed curriculum plans, transportation considerations, community partners and a phased enrollment model. Smythe described the school’s arts instruction, private-lesson model, and partnerships already in discussion with local arts organizations. The presenters said the proposal includes building renovations such as accessibility upgrades, hazardous‑materials abatement, a new roof and modernized common spaces.

Board and staff reaction: Superintendent J. Richmond and facilities staff said the district is still finalizing donation and facilities criteria and cannot make a unilateral donation without a policy-backed process. Richmond told the group he wants New Ballet as a partner but stressed the board will need to follow the facilities policy and a formal bid or offer process. Board members asked for a formal written offer and appraisal information; several said they would support a sale if a complete, documented offer is received and due process followed.

Funding and timing: Presenters said private developers and a committed CDE/Truist financing team are pursuing new-market tax credits that require the project to be “shovel ready” in early 2026; losing that window would materially reduce available financing. Smythe told the board the group is pursuing several options, including a contract school arrangement with the district, working with the governor’s school model, or other nonprofit models, but emphasized acquiring the real estate first so private financing can close.

Open questions and next steps: Staff said the district has an appraisal from July 2024 and that any sale or donation would follow formal facilities processes. Board members requested a formal written purchase offer, updated appraisal numbers and a transparent timeline for any decision, so trustees could potentially address the matter at an upcoming special meeting or the next business meeting. Presenters asked the board to consider an expedited process because of the tax‑credit timeline.

Ending: New Ballet’s Memoirs proposal will remain under review; presenters and staff agreed to keep negotiating and to return requested documentation and a formal offer to the board for consideration.