City welcomes new charter school

Former William S. Barr Elementary building to house new school

A new charter school is coming fall 2017 in the former William S. Barr Elementary School building.

Sheffield Village will welcome a new charter school during fall 2017 in the former William S. Barr Elementary School building at 2180 Lake Breeze Road.

After Sheffield Village Council unanimously approved a recommendation from the planning commission to allow a permit for conditional use in May, a charter school operated by Sterling Education will take over the building offering an opportunity for students in grades three through 12.

Sheffield Village Mayor John Hunter said the building will be undergoing some renovations in the meantime in order to meet building and school zoning standards before eventually becoming a K-12 institution.

The building is presently owned by Eagle Academy of Columbus and has been vacant for more than two years after Barr Elementary closed in May of 2015.

After being vacant for one year the building reverted back to its original zoning classification, necessitating the need to seek council’s approval.

“It’s always nice to fill up vacant buildings and we appreciate Eagle Academy for considering Sheffield Village,” Hunter said.

Hunter along with Council strongly supports the plan and said he was happy to see the building being put to good use.

“This will give an education to our kids. I would rather have it be used as a school than as an empty building,” Hunter said.