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Kindergarten wing of old elementary campus may be demolished

The kindergarten wing of Gilmer’s old elementary campus on Scott St. may be torn down.

GISD Superintendent Rick Albritton said he plans to bring the subject before the GISD School Board at its April meeting.

“It has been infested with termites and is in pretty bad shape,” he said. He said he feels it is not salvageable. He said that a group is hoping to get a government grant which would enable the district to find a use for the remainder of the old campus, which was closed two years ago when the new elementary campus off U.S. 271 North was completed.

“Suggestions have included making it into a shelter for women. A day-care facility had also been suggested, but now it looks like that would not be feasible,” Albritton said. He said that the rest of the facility is in pretty bad shape, too.

“The roof will have to be replaced, at a cost of $500,000 to $700,000,” he said. “The flooring is bad and the basement is silted in.”

He said the school district will not sink any money into the old facility.

Albritton also said that the May school board election will be canceled.

There are four candidates seeking four positions. Todd Tefteller, Gloria King and Mark Skinner are seeking three full terms, while Les Morris is seeking a one-year unexpired term. They will be declared elected.

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