Reading Elementary may have cleared out some of its longstanding equipment Saturday as part of an auction, but that may not be the end of the story when it comes to the school building.
Earlier this year, USD 251 North Lyon County decided to close the K-5 school as a cost-cutting move. Shortly thereafter, Reading town leaders began considering potential options for the property. Now, board president Matt Horton tells KVOE News the district doesn’t want to sell the property just yet, and in fact there are some early discussions about possibly using the building for an early childhood center or some connection to the Flint Hills Special Education Cooperative.
City leaders had been considering a plan to use the building as a multipurpose venue for sports, weddings or other activities. Reading City Council member Heather Jones says those discussions are now on hold.
Horton stresses the discussions are early, so a lot has to be sorted out and the district has not chosen a direction for the property.
Saturday’s auction involved chairs, desks, a piano, scaffolding, gymnasium items, carpet cleaners, picnic tables, bike rack, shop items, lawn items and even stadium lights.
Reading was first opened as a school in the 1870s and also had a high school for decades before closing in 1981.
