Genoa school officials planning events for phased-out buildings

2/14/2011

Genoa Area Local Schools expects to have its $24.4 million kindergarten-through-fifth-grade building finished in mid-June, and special events are being planned for the two elementary schools it will replace for next school year.

Painting and other work are being done at the new elementary building, which is being constructed on the middle school and high school campus so all of the district's students will be at one location.

"It's going excellent," said Dennis Mock, Genoa superintendent. "Right now they're starting to put in the quarry tile in the kitchen and the hallways."

The future of Brunner Elementary in Genoa has not yet been determined, although discussions are ongoing with potential buyers, Mr. Mock said.

The school, which dates to 1956 and houses kindergarten through second grades, failed to sell at a December auction for the $200,000 minimum, he said.

"Our goal will be to sell the building and not demolish it," Mr. Mock said.

Allen Central Elementary, which dates to 1942 and houses third through fifth grades, will be demolished this summer, Mr. Mock said. Allen Township will be given the land to be used for recreational purposes, he said.

An area by Brunner Elementary, meanwhile, that has two softball diamonds and a soccer field will be donated to Genoa, Mr. Mock said.

Events, including tours, are to be held at the elementaries being vacated, Mr. Mock said.

The new elementary school is part of a 1.9-mill bond issue and 1.5- mill continuing levy approved by voters in November, 2008.