Trustees debate closure, retrofit and land‑sale options as district considers consolidating McDowell Mountain

District leaders presented trustees with a facilities timeline and cost estimates for a potential consolidation that would close McDowell Mountain and move students to the middle and high schools over a phased period.

Superintendent Glass and facilities staff described a two‑year runway to retrofit receiving campuses and address preschool/K‑2 facility needs; the district estimate for moving and retrofitting the buildings was discussed in broad terms, with one trustee offering an approximate $1.76 million figure for initial moving costs. Trustees emphasized the need for public hearings and a master plan before any closure vote and noted that selling district land could affect bond planning and community buy‑in.

Trustees debated whether to sell property now while values are high or hold land as a long‑term ‘rainy day’ asset. Multiple board members noted emotional attachments to existing buildings and urged extensive stakeholder engagement. The superintendent said staff would convene a study/work session to build a master plan and bring detailed cost estimates and public‑engagement steps back to the board.

No final decision to close or sell property was made; the board scheduled a study session to continue planning and requested more exact cost estimates, timelines, and community outreach materials.