CMS Picks Tenants For Closed Schools

Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools has chosen groups to rent ten schools and pre-kindergarten centers the district is closing this year. Half of the tenants are private schools. The others are community groups. CMS Facilities Director Dennis LaCaria says the district didn't judge groups on how much they were willing to pay, but on what benefit to the neighborhood and school system they'd provide. He says a group like Bethlehem Center which provides pre-kindergarten to low-income children is ideal. The school plans to rent Tryon Hills Pre-K Center. "An agency like Bethlehem Center, being able to expand some additional pre-k seats throughout the county, that's the sort of the thing that's going to benefit the school system in the long run as well," says LaCaria. Lake Norman Christian School wants to rent Davidson Middle. Brookstone Schools plans to lease Amay James Pre-Kindergarten Center. The International House of Charlotte plans to rent Midwood High and the McColl Center for Visual Arts wants more room for artist space and arts education at Plaza Road Pre-K Center. LaCaria says CMS won't make much money on the leases. He expects less than $200,000. Final deals still need to be worked out. He says at least the district won't be losing money on the buildings. Tenants will be responsible for maintenance, utilities and and renovations.