Sunnyside board approves demolition of former Mission Manor Elementary School after presentation on costs and asbestos risk
Summary
Board voted unanimously to approve solicitation of demolition proposals for the vacant Mission Manor building (built 1953), citing structural decay, maintenance costs and likely asbestos abatement; board discussed possible future warehouse use for the cleared site.
The Sunnyside Unified School District governing board voted unanimously to approve soliciting proposals to demolish the former Mission Manor Elementary School, a vacant facility the administration said is in disrepair and costly to maintain.
Administration presenters described a crumbling roof, aging infrastructure and annual upkeep costs for utilities, HVAC and fire-alarm compliance for the 1953-era building. Staff recommended demolition and said a solicitation for demolition contractors would be issued with a target to complete work in spring; the board discussed potential remediation and reuse options for the cleared site, including a metal warehouse-style storage building to house excess classroom furniture.
Staff cautioned that, because the building dates to the 1950s, abatement for asbestos and possibly lead will be required before demolition and will add costs. The administration said it would obtain assessments from contractor firms to identify hazardous materials and include abatement in demolition proposals if needed. Board members and community attendees expressed sadness at losing an older building but also cited the ongoing expense of maintaining an otherwise unused structure.
The motion to proceed with demolition passed on a roll-call vote with all present members recorded as "Aye." The board did not adopt a final reuse plan for the site; staff said they would return with proposals after abatement and demolition planning.
