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Residents urge Banks SD 13 board to preserve historic Banks Union High School
Summary
Multiple residents told the board April 14 that demolishing the old Banks high school would erase local history and urged preservation, citing petitions, estimated demolition costs and potential private conservation options.
Banks SD 13 heard a chorus of public pleas on April 14 from residents urging the board to preserve the district's historic high school building rather than demolish it for parking or other redevelopment.
Several speakers described multi‑generation ties to the building, said preserving it would protect the town's identity and urged the board to consider alternatives — including private sale or setting construction back from the structure while keeping the façade. "We don't want it to look like a boring cookie‑cutter thing while losing all of its charm and history," one resident said. Another told the board a petition opposing demolition had gathered "over 250 signatures" in a little more than a month.
Speakers pointed to potential cost savings from avoiding demolition and to community benefit from reuse. Alex Hoffler urged the board to "just leave it alone" and estimated the district could save "$250,000 to $300,000" by not tearing down the building and suggested private buyers could meet district conditions for reuse. Multiple commenters said the building offers educational and tourism value and could be repurposed if it is not appropriate for school use.
The board accepted public comment under its standard five‑minute rule and said the chair, vice chair and superintendent would determine an appropriate follow‑up (public, private, or future agenda item). Board members later acknowledged the strength of community feeling on the item during closing remarks.
What happens next: The board did not vote on the preservation proposals during the meeting; officials said follow up could include private outreach or placement of the topic on a future meeting or work‑session agenda.
