The Clarke County School Board will decide the future of the historic West Broad School site at this evening’s meeting. Superintendent Demond Means is proposing to include a new Pre-K and School-based health clinic at the site.
Historic Athens is partnering with the Clarke County School District during the process. The 52-year old Athens nonprofit will advise the district on the proper procedures for any historic structures that may have to be demolished.
Current details include plans to create exhibitions on the history of the School and segregated education in Clarke County as part of CCSD’s rehabilitation of the Minor Street building.
The West Broad School was the setting for the education of African American students from the late 19th century through integration in Athens.
One point of contention with the new plans, the fate of the West Broad Farmers Market and Garden. Many supporters of the facility would like to site it remain at the site.
An agreement with the district and the Athens Land trust, which runs the market and garden, is ending.
Superintendent Means had said he will not renew that agreement. He has offered the Land Trust the use of land on the grounds of Clarke Middle School near the intersection of Baxter Street and Alps Road
The School Board meeting is Thursday evening beginning at 6 pm at the HT Edwards building on Dearing Extension.