Community urges board to pursue options to preserve Mills Lawn; board asks for legal review

A coalition of residents and teachers on March 12 asked the Yellow Springs Exempted Village School Board to explore permanent preservation options for the Mills Lawn green space, including the possibility of a conservation easement and state grant funding.

"For 20 years, I've been involved in preserving over 9,000 acres of land with conservation easements," said Lark Krellis, who identified herself as a member of the Citizens to Preserve Mills Lawn group and urged the board to permit the group to research funding and feasibility. The group presented historical maps, petition signatures and arguments for the educational value of the site, citing memorial trees and longstanding public use.

Multiple teachers and residents described Mills Lawn as an educational resource. "These children come alive when they explore these outdoor spaces," said a nature-based educator quoted to the board, describing daily outdoor lessons and nature-based project work.

District administrators and several board members cautioned that a conservation easement is a legally binding restriction that can limit future operational flexibility for the school. The superintendent said the district is investing in renovations at Mills Lawn and warned that an easement could complicate future construction, tree removal for safety or necessary changes to facilities.

Board members debated options, including a time-limited easement, a bargain sale to the village with a lease-back, or zoning changes to protect open space. Several board members said the immediate step is to get legal advice: they requested an executive-session briefing with the district's attorney and asked the preservation group to continue research and coordinate with potential partners and the village.

The board did not vote on any easement or sale. Instead, members agreed to return the item to a future agenda after counsel's review and to host additional public conversation. Supporters of preservation said they will continue to gather input and explore grant opportunities such as state conservation funding.

What happens next: the district will seek legal guidance on whether and how a conservation easement or other restriction could be structured while protecting the school's operational needs. The community group and the board plan to continue discussions, and the board scheduled additional study and an executive-session legal briefing at a future meeting.