Last-ditch effort to save building falls short
Lead Summary
By
The Highland County Press-
Several residents spoke out Wednesday night in favor of maintaining the former Hillsboro High School/Middle School building on West Main Street; but in the end, no amount of public debate could change the building’s fate.
A public comment period regarding the demolition of the former school building was held prior to the school board’s regularly scheduled meeting. The public participation session was part of a Highland County Common Pleas Court settlement, following a complaint by Hillsboro resident Marilyn Hiestand of the Save HHS Committee.
Hiestand had accused the board of violating the Ohio Sunshine Law. The court found in Hiestand’s favor and ordered the district to pay court costs, legal fees, and a $500 fine.
In addressing the school board Wednesday, Hiestand offered a detailed plan for turning the building into a business incubator, with community facilities, a meeting room and a café. She said such a facility could be operated as a non-profit corporation.
A number of Hillsboro residents shared Hiestand’s concern for the historic building. “I would like to see it saved,” said Bob Dunlap. “The building is one of the best in town.”
Prior to the board’s vote to proceed with plans to raze the building, board member Ken
Shull said citizens need to think with their heads, not their hearts. It’s fiscally irresponsible to not demolish the building, he said.
Board member Darrell Wilson said the board went beyond asking people for ideas to save the building. “We weren’t just asking, we were begging. ...It’s one of the hardest decisions I’ve made.”
The board then voted to continue with its earlier decision to demolish the former school building.
In other business, the board voted, 3-2, with Laura Bagshaw and J.D. Wagoner dissenting, to remove and relocate the cupola atop the former middle school.[[In-content Ad]]
A public comment period regarding the demolition of the former school building was held prior to the school board’s regularly scheduled meeting. The public participation session was part of a Highland County Common Pleas Court settlement, following a complaint by Hillsboro resident Marilyn Hiestand of the Save HHS Committee.
Hiestand had accused the board of violating the Ohio Sunshine Law. The court found in Hiestand’s favor and ordered the district to pay court costs, legal fees, and a $500 fine.
In addressing the school board Wednesday, Hiestand offered a detailed plan for turning the building into a business incubator, with community facilities, a meeting room and a café. She said such a facility could be operated as a non-profit corporation.
A number of Hillsboro residents shared Hiestand’s concern for the historic building. “I would like to see it saved,” said Bob Dunlap. “The building is one of the best in town.”
Prior to the board’s vote to proceed with plans to raze the building, board member Ken
Shull said citizens need to think with their heads, not their hearts. It’s fiscally irresponsible to not demolish the building, he said.
Board member Darrell Wilson said the board went beyond asking people for ideas to save the building. “We weren’t just asking, we were begging. ...It’s one of the hardest decisions I’ve made.”
The board then voted to continue with its earlier decision to demolish the former school building.
In other business, the board voted, 3-2, with Laura Bagshaw and J.D. Wagoner dissenting, to remove and relocate the cupola atop the former middle school.[[In-content Ad]]