SAN ANGELO ISD board tables demolition of historic Carver Learning Center for six months after public outcry

At its April 20 meeting, the SAN ANGELO ISD Board of Trustees voted unanimously to table consideration of bid 26-005 — the district’s proposed abatement and demolition of the Carver Learning Center — for six months after more than a dozen community members urged the board to preserve the nearly century-old building.

Board President Taylor Kingman opened the discussion by reiterating the district’s duties and noting that posted agenda items are the board’s only route for public deliberation. Administration introduced the recommended contractors for abatement and demolition and presented a total estimated cost of $333,570, which the presentation said includes a $40,000 contingency.

“I respectfully ask that the board consider tabling this vote to allow time for meaningful community discussion and exploration of alternative options to this historic building,” Michelle Grooms Reed, president of NAACP Unit 6219, told trustees during the public-comment period. Reed and several other speakers described Carver as a site of deep historic and cultural significance tied to San Angelo’s Black community and asked the board to postpone demolition to allow time for community-led preservation efforts.

Other residents who spoke included Dudra Butler, Evelyn Smith, Shirley Spears and fourth-generation resident Angela Haywood; Patrick Keley, identified in the transcript as the city council member for District 4, also urged the board to give the community time to pursue partnerships and funding. Speakers referenced nearby Dunbar Library and the neighborhood’s history and said many residents were surprised to learn the demolition was on the agenda.

Administration described the district’s position: with the Carver campus vacant after program moves and declining enrollment, the property is not currently used for students and carries ongoing maintenance, insurance and security costs. During board discussion trustees cited an asbestos-abatement estimate raised in the hearing of roughly $180,000–$200,000 and said preservation, rehabilitation or public–private partnership options should be explored before irreversible action.

Trustee Mr. Gagos moved to table bid 26-005 for six months to allow time to seek partnerships and other preservation alternatives; the motion was seconded by Mrs. Meisel Flint. On a voice vote the motion passed 7–0.

Following the vote, several trustees urged the community to form a preservation committee and for city and community partners to contribute resources. Board members said the district will work with community volunteers and that staff should return with options or updates at the end of the six-month interval.

Next steps: the board directed that the bid remain tabled for six months while community members pursue preservation proposals; the item will return to the board’s agenda after that period for further action.