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Sheridan board votes 5–0 to tear down Jefferson Street building to advance CTE project
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Summary
The Sheridan School District board voted unanimously to authorize demolition of the Jefferson Street building after presenters said donors want a firm demolition/construction timeline to commit major material and financial donations toward the district's planned Career & Technical Education center.
The Sheridan School District 48J Board of Directors voted unanimously to authorize demolition of the Jefferson Street building, a step district and industry partners say is needed to advance a regional Career & Technical Education project. The motion — "to tear down the Jefferson Street building as soon as we can" — was moved by Michael (vice chair nominee) and seconded by Samantha; the vote was 5'0 in favor.
Presenters from Sedcore/Zedcor told the board that industry donors and potential funders are reluctant to lock in large material or funding commitments without a firm "go date" for demolition and construction. "They need to know that there is a tear down date, that there is a construction date," said Abba Shastell of Zedcor, urging the board to set timelines to secure donations and discounted materials.
Board members asked about storage, the effect on rental and event use of the building, and the timing donors had requested. A Sedcore representative said the district had identified potential in-kind and discounted support from Riverbend, Cascade Steel, Radius Recycling and Knife River, and that some donation prices would only be held if project work began this year. The presenters also referenced an approximate grant figure in the high hundreds of thousands and a retail-valued donation being discussed at about $1,200,000.
Board members and staff discussed logistics for relocating equipment and activities currently housed at Jefferson Street, and options to store needed items at other district facilities. Trustees said they hoped a firm schedule would help secure partner commitments and expedite construction of the Robert C Tech pathways.
The board did not specify a demolition contractor in the motion; during discussion trustees said they expected to coordinate with contractors who had already expressed interest and to schedule demolition this fall once donation commitments and contractor availability align. The board directed staff to follow up with implementation timelines and to coordinate donor paperwork and public notice requirements.
The vote is the latest procedural step in a multi-year effort to develop career and technical pathways for Sheridan students; presenters said further fundraising and donor confirmations remain to be secured.
