Plan to turn elementary school into a community center hits wall
Plans to turn Blanchard Elementary School into a community center have been delayed due to property and financial issues.
The former elementary school, located on 405 S. Fourth Street, was built in 1958. The 22,000 square feet school was vacated in 2008.
Efforts by Kimberly Camp Smith and her Facebook group “Save the Blanchard Elementary School” in order to turn the building into community center have been made. In Jan. 2020, the building was purchased by former Blanchard resident Rolland Courser, who purchased the building for around $40,000.
Courser intended to donate the building to an organization within the community that was formed and supposed to apply
to be a 501c3 organi - z at ion, and have the building named “Ethan Courser Community Center” on behalf of his family.
However, the organization and Courser have had some issues figuring out the ownership of the building and getting the non-profit certification needed. Courser said the group hasn’t been comfortable with the fact the building is his name but the groupworking towardmaking a community center isn’t currently a 501c3 and don’t have enough money to buy it off Courser.
The organization and Courser have both spoken to an attorney in order to figure out ownership details but no further moves have been made.
“I don’t care about the money,” Courser said. “I just want it to be successful.”
Other drawbacks include the fact the building’s roof is in need of repairs and a heating system. Also, some kids had previously snuck in and vandalized the inside of building causing further costly damage to fix.
While somemoney hasbeenraised more is needed in order to put further effort into turning the former elementary school into a community center.
“We’re thinking of ways to bring in money and it’s been all kinds of trouble,” Courser said. “Grants aren’t east to get and I need people to donate.”
If nomoves are made or the community center ends up being unsuccessful inthe next fewyears, Courser may give the center to the potential non-profit organization or list the building for sale. The community center board had no comment at this time.
For more information, visit the “Save the Blanchard Elementary School” Facebook page.