USD 253 Emporia school board members are now openly talking about ending the district’s use of Mary Herbert Education Center.
Board members continued their conversation about the future of Mary Herbert as part of their regular meeting Wednesday, following a presentation from Director of Maintenance and Grounds Cory Nicolet back in December indicating major costs associated with repairs. Nicolet has said it could cost around $250,000 just to stop the sinking affecting the building’s southwest corner, but he has also said it could be $1 million or more to fix the related problems already evident through the building like cracks, bowing walls, misaligned windows and misaligned doors — and problems that are not currently visible.
Board member Jeremy Dorsey says the district needs a new administrative building.
Built in 1929, Mary Herbert became the administration building in 2009. Conversations about a possible new administrative building or potential timing for a move have not taken place in open session.
Board member Jennifer Thomas says this is a tough conversation because there is a personal connection for her and for many people in the district.
Separately Wednesday night, board members reviewed — and rejected — two purchase bids for the one-time Kansas Avenue building at 315 South Market. Rural Redevelopment LLC had proposed a $1 sale for moderate-income housing, but the plan offered no other details. Deanna Pierson is offering $75,000 to turn the space into the Kansas Avenue Arts and Crafts Incubator and Library, but that plan is heavily contingent on other external funding sources, including a city-sponsored Community Development Block Grant, as well as the city’s blessing for an Historic Registry nomination.
