Elkhart Community School vote rejects one-dollar sale, but the sale is still likely

ELKHART, Ind. -- Elkhart Community Schools are working to consolidate as student enrollment continues trending downward, and part of that process involves selling some of the old school buildings, like the former Osolo Elementary School.

Elkhart Community Schools say the process can be timely and costly, which is why they considered an alternative option.

The Innovation Network Agreement — a proposed legal contract between Elkhart Community Schools and Premiere Arts Academy would turn the former Osolo Elementary School into a new campus for a public charter school

But at an Elkhart School Board meeting on Tuesday the motion to enter the agreement failed.

“This agreement does not benefit Elkhart Community Schools and instead gives a raise to premier along with their million-dollar grant from Indiana," said Dacey Davis Elkhart School Board Member District D.

Those in attendance argued that the legal contract was unclear and that the building sale to Premiere Arts would be taking away resources from the district.

The board also didn't have the details on how much debt was still owed on the elementary school.

Even with the school board’s rejection, the district said the building still must go through Indiana’s “Dollar Sale Law” process.

“Even though this agreement was not approved, the district must now ensure that the future of the Osolo building follows steps in accordance with Indiana’s ‘Dollar Sale Law’ (I.C. 20-26-7.1),” the district said. “State law requires us to list it as vacant, which necessitates transferring the property to any interested charter school.”

While the vote rejected transferring the building specifically to Premier Arts Academy, it does not end the possibility of a charter school eventually taking over the property.

Elkhart Community Schools said it will continue to ensure it meets its statutory obligations, including any financial obligations tied to the building, as they are still responsible for its upkeep until any sale is finalized.