Taylor County School Board votes to hold public hearing on possible sale of historic Rock Building

The Taylor County School Board voted to hold a 28‑day public hearing on the potential sale of the Rock Building after members and members of the public called for more transparency and independent appraisals.

Public commenter Santina Deming told the board the Rock Building is “a symbol of craftsmanship, resilience, and the values that this county once held dear,” and said she had seen no publicly shared cost analysis justifying a sale. Deming urged the board to “show us the facts” before disposing of the property.

Board members pressed staff for financial detail during discussion. Legal counsel told the board statute does not require appraisals but that state facilities officials recommend them; the board heard the usual practice is one appraisal for properties over $500,000 and two when value exceeds $1 million. Staff estimated annual carrying costs for the building (insurance, utilities and maintenance) in the discussion; board members said they wanted a clearer apples‑to‑apples comparison of savings if programs now housed there are relocated.

A motion to proceed to a public hearing on the possible sale was made by Miss Carlton and seconded by Miss Mathis; the motion carried. Board members instructed staff to seek appraisals and to return with cost‑comparison data before final action. Board members also discussed, but did not finalize, whether to authorize immediate advertisement for the hearing; several said they preferred the appraisals and additional information to be assembled before advertisement.

Board members expressed both fiscal and sentimental considerations: some described the building as an important local landmark, while others emphasized the district’s need to reduce recurring costs. The board did not vote to set a minimum sale price or to approve any sale; those decisions will require additional steps and information.

Next steps identified by the board include obtaining one or more appraisals, preparing a cost‑savings analysis comparing continued use versus sale, publicly noticing the hearing consistent with statute and agency guidance, and bringing those materials back to the board prior to any final disposition of the property.