Griffin-Spalding board approves 10-year lease for Third Ward School and appoints two executive officers

The Griffin-Spalding County Board of Education on May 5 approved a commercial lease for the district’s Third Ward School that replaces routine rent with a tenant-funded 10-year improvement plan and also confirmed two executive officer appointments recommended by Superintendent Dr. Warren.

Board members heard a presentation from Mr. Ballard, who outlined the lease history and terms. He said Griffin RESA has occupied Third Ward School since 2001 under successive long-term leases and proposed a third 10-year lease in which the tenant would invest in building and site work rather than pay conventional monthly rent. "The amount that they have right now in their plan ... would total an estimated $561,452 that they would plan to put into the facility and the site over there over the next 10 years," Ballard said, noting the previous investment plan totaled about $522,000. He said the district retains responsibility for the building envelope and will respond to major issues; the tenant typically handles repairs and projects that are part of its plan and pays utilities. Ballard said smaller repairs under $1,500 are handled by the district’s technicians.

Board members asked whether the tenant would handle vendor procurement (Ballard said tenants manage bids and the district reviews and must approve work to ensure it meets district guidelines) and whether cost estimates such as a repaved parking lot were firm (Ballard described them as current-day estimates and said the district prioritizes envelope work such as roofs and windows). A board member asked whether the building is on a local historic register; Ballard said he would check and was not sure.

A motion to accept the commercial lease was moved and seconded. The chair called for a vote and the board voted to approve the lease.

On personnel matters, Dr. Warren recommended two executive officers. The board appointed Landa Acres, whom Warren described as having nine years as an elementary and middle school principal and seven years as a school improvement coordinator, and D. English, described as a Griffin-Spalding principal and graduate of the district who completed leadership residency and mentoring roles. Both appointments were moved, seconded and approved by the board.

The board did not identify individual vote tallies for these items in the transcript; the chair recorded members as voting in favor at the time of each vote.

What’s next: Ballard said the finalized lease will move to Griffin RESA for its review and approval and then be signed. Dr. Warren’s appointments will take effect per district HR procedures.