The Warren Local Board of Education met in Vincent, Ohio on Monday, and agreed to sell off the former Bartlett and Cutler schools.
The two schools closed nearly a year ago, but were still costing the school district over $12,000 per year in maintenance costs.
"We wanted the property to be as useful to the community as it can be," said board member Dan Johnson.
About one acre of the Bartlett property will now be owned by Wesley Township trustees. The remainder of the property, including the school building and more than five acres of land, will become the property of the Southeastern Ohio Port Authority.
The Port Authority will “work with a private developer to develop it into a rural business park," said Warren Superintendent Tom Gibbs.
It had been reported that any profits from the sale would be given back to the school district. However, that seems increasingly unlikely, as developers will have to contend with asbestos issues. Although the property had been appraised at about $150,000, development costs would need to include funds for asbestos removal, a new sewer system, sprinkler installation and boiler work before the building could be used.
Asbestos removal is important, as airborne asbestos particles could lead to diseases such as mesothelioma.
"The real benefit for us would be that when it becomes a commercial property we’ll receive taxes from that property," said Gibbs. "And it may also employ some people that live in our district."
The Cutler school property will likely become the site for a senior center for residents of Decatur, Fairfield and Wesley townships. Senior citizens could have hot meals and meetings at the new location.