Jackson school board hears two redevelopment proposals for Poindexter and Marshall; vote set for next meeting

The Jackson Public School Board on Thursday received information about two proposals to repurpose closed school properties: a plan to convert Poindexter Elementary into affordable housing and a mixed-use redevelopment proposal for Marshall Elementary that would combine housing with community services.

The presentations did not include board action. Mr. Burke, who presented the evaluation committee’s findings, said both proposals "meet the required standards as identified in the evaluation guidance" and that the submissions "exceeded the standard" in several evaluation categories. Board members were told the district will bring the items back for a formal vote at the board’s next meeting.

Why it matters: the district has a rolling repurposing process for surplus school properties and has said it prefers affordable housing and community-serving uses. Converting vacant school buildings is intended to bring investment and services to neighborhoods and reduce prolonged vacancy, but projects depend on outside financing, regulatory approvals and, in some cases, tax-credit application timelines.

What the Poindexter proposal would do: Lee Harper, chair of the Center for Social Entrepreneurship, and Mary…