Central 7 is considering selling two elementary schools (Bailey and HighviewSchool). They would consolidate elementary school education at the LeeJacksonSchooland would expand the JacksonSchool. The plan - which would require School Board (NOT TOWN BD) approval and subsequent approval by the voters who reside in the Central 7 School district – could be voted on later this year by Central 7 voters.

A suggestion was made for the town to purchase the BaileySchoolfor the library. This might be a less expensive option for the library (which is proposing a 20 million expansion referendum) and would enable the town to sell the old Town Hall/library site- placing the entire old site on the tax rolls.  Bailey has more than adequate parking.  Another option which could be reviewed would be to sell the Town Courtand Police HQ to a private developer and   for the town to purchase Bailey and  to convert the building into an expanded court house/police HQ.  The court house must be expanded – office space is inadequate. We now have a 3^rd Judge. The town has already taken steps to renovate the court house/police locker rooms.  We are currently studying expansion possibilities at the court. I believe that we should, at the minimum, review our options and determine whether purchasing the building might make financial sense for the town.  Your feedback, as always, would be appreciated.   PAUL FEINER