READING — Reading City Council members have taken the first official step toward determining a purpose for Reading Elementary.
The city is taking a cautious approach after the USD 251 North Lyon County School Board recently voted to close the school as a cost-savings measure, effective June 30. School Board President Matt Horton informed city council members that the district would prefer selling the building first to the community if there is an interest.
It’s not clear what purpose the property could serve moving forward. Council member Heather Jones says cost remains a big question mark.
Horton noted the school district is prepared to work with the city on potentially gifting some of the school’s memorabilia to the community. He also said the district would provide any cost estimates requested for utilities and insurance. The school board voted 4-2 in late February to close the school, projecting a $200,000 savings in the 2018-19 budget calendar in light of ongoing enrollment declines.
City council members have set a special meeting ahead of alumni weekend to get input from the community. That meeting will take place at 7 p.m. May 31 inside the Reading Community Building. No official deadline has been set for when either side would like to see the building sold.
USD 251 Board President Matt Horton addresses the Reading City Council Thursday evening.
