A proposal to purchase the soon-to-be-closed Madison Elementary School in Manitowoc will first go to a committee.
The Manitowoc Public School Board voted 6-1 to move a $1.00 offer from the City of Manitowoc to the Facilities and Finance Committee.
Board members, including President Paul “Biff” Hansen, said they are not ready to approve the offer yet and have many questions.
“We really probably need to vent it out in committee,” he explained. “That would give people an opportunity, if they wanted to, the public to go to the committee meeting. But also give them the opportunity to speak at our board meeting.”
Hansen continued, saying the board wants to clear up public doubts and answer questions. Superintendent Lee Thennes says if the committee makes a recommendation, that would be referred to the school board.
Board Member Chris Able tried to table the motion, asking for public input sessions first before it goes to Facilities and Finance.
The board is also looking to set up a public information session after the Facilities and Finance Meeting, along with an FAQ sheet.
Board Member Mary Lofy Blahnik said she’s heard three questions asked by constituents: “(What is the) cost to leave Madison sit, the cost to demo, and then the other is why just $1.00?”
Next month’s Finance and Facilities meeting will take place on May 5th at the District’s Office on Lindburgh Drive.
The city loaned the land to the district in the 1950s to build Madison Elementary School, which now stands there.
