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Residents urge district to preserve junior high, question demolition and growth plans
Summary
Public commenters told the Mahomet-Seymour Board they oppose demolishing a junior high, questioned survey clarity and warned about rapid growth; trustees said renovation was considered but the current building layout limits feasible upgrades.
Several public commenters urged the Mahomet-Seymour CUSD 3 Board to reconsider demolishing an existing junior high and to explore renovating existing facilities. A resident identified on the record as Mark asked whether the district could "sit on this idea of building a new school" and said he found it "insane that you don't utilize that asset." He also raised concerns about assessor-driven valuations and long-term costs for infrastructure.
Laurie Scott, who identified herself during public comment, said she understood demolition of the junior high was not on the agenda that night but reiterated concern about uncontrolled growth and questioned the clarity of a district survey mailed to residents, noting postcards and flyers lacked a survey close date.
In response, trustees described their facilities review. Trustee S10 said the junior high's layout and traffic flow problems make renovation impractical: "We can't solve the narrow hall hallways. We can't solve the lack of bathrooms in the current part of the building." Trustees said renovation estimates were similar to rebuilding and that the recommended plan preserves the junior high while addressing capacity, safety and design goals.
