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Council forms fact‑finding team to explore Westridge School transfer or lease
Summary
Westfir officials described talks with Oak Ridge School District about the Westridge School potentially returning to Westfir; a small fact‑finding team will meet in December to evaluate options including leasing, solar installations and potential revenue uses.
Mayor Watson told the council that Oak Ridge School District superintendent Dave McGrath and urban planner Jude Anderson have been in early talks about the Westridge School building coming to market and about options for the facility’s future. The mayor said he toured the building and described its auditorium, historic woodwork and large gym, noting the building sits on roughly 16 acres with the school footprint around four acres.
Council agreed to form a short fact‑finding team consisting of Nicole Burton, Jara, Mayor Watson and Tanya (a district staff liaison) to hold an early‑to‑mid December virtual meeting with Oak Ridge staff and Jude Anderson to scope potential leasing or acquisition options. Jude Anderson (referred to as a planner working with Ring Catalyst) will help organize initial planning. "Let's just start having discussions," the mayor said, emphasizing the historic and community value of restoring the school to Westfir.
Participants flagged potential revenue uses and a Lane Electric solar array study (REopt analysis) as items for the planning team to explore. The council did not commit to purchase and said the discussions are exploratory; Oak Ridge and the school district will provide additional documentation and a professional building assessment.
