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Public and Arts Groups Ask School Board to Move Ahead on Stewart High School Arts Campus; Alcohol Service Emerges as Key Obstacle
Summary
Dozens of public commenters urged the Martin County School Board to approve a lease transforming Stewart High School into an arts campus, saying limited alcohol service at events is essential to financial sustainability. The board, citing district policies and proximity to Stewart Middle School, asked staff to update property appraisals and did not vote tonight.
Dozens of residents and arts leaders told the Martin County School Board they support converting the vacant Stewart High School into an arts campus — and repeatedly said limited alcohol service at evening events is central to the project’s financial model.
"I want to speak out in strong favor for the transformation of the historic high school into an arts campus," said Chris Kling, a local artist, during the public-comment period. Multiple speakers, including Nancy Turrell of Martin Arts and Joanne Gallagher of the Florida Arts and Dance Company, said event rentals, receptions and fundraisers that include limited alcohol are critical revenue streams.
Martin Arts representatives asked the board to complete negotiations on an…
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