http://66.225.205.104/LM20110525a.mp3
Thirty-two groups have notified CMS they'd like to rent at least one of the nine schools and two administrative buildings that will close this year. Many of the groups offer community services like job search skills and parenting classes. Several of them are geared toward children. There are a few private schools and churches interested in the facilities, along with a couple pre-kindergartens. The town of Davidson even has its eye on Davidson IB. Some of the groups are interested in more than one building. Superintendent Peter Gorman says the district won't only consider how much the groups are willing to pay CMS. "What it ultimately comes down to is how do you measure value? If a group is offering a pre-k service in a community where we've had to cut pre-k programs we think that could be potential value, so we'd look at that," says Gorman. CMS estimates the district could make up to $200,000 from leasing the buildings. Tenants will be required to pay for all maintenance--lawn mowing, pest control, and cleaning. Last year, the school board decided to close eleven schools to save money. Groups had until May 13th to let CMS know they're interested. Next month, the school board will rank all the groups' proposals.