CCSB Considers Selling Kingsland Shop

RISON - The Cleveland County School Board decided Monday night to research the value of the former bus shop building at the Kingsland School campus before possibly seeking bids to sell it.Meanwhile, Superintendent Davy King said he has been notified by the state that two construction projects - a new gym complex that would include some classroom space and renovations to Rison Elementary - have been accepted in the state's partnership funding program. However, King pointed out that it will be May 2025 before the district will learn if those projects will receive funding.King brought up the Kingsland shop building after having someone approached him twice wanting to buy the building to convert it into a commercial shop. King said he told the individual the school board would have to decide on selling it before any action could be taken.Board member Kelly Taylor said she knew the City of Kingsland would be interested in buying it as well to possibly use it as a city maintenance facility or convert it into a civic center. She later said she preferred the building be used in some way rather than letting it sit vacant without benefiting anyone.Harrell Wilson, the board president, agreed with Taylor that other parties may be interested in the property as well. He suggested the district research the value of the shop and property, and then possibly put it out for bids.King said the school district only uses the building once or twice a year, He said he prefers all the maintenance work be done at Rison due to the fact there are more workers on site. King explained that even if a maintenance job required just one person, the district would need to send a second person to Kingsland just for safety concerns.Eventually, board member Sheila Towery made a motion to follow Wilson's recommendation and have King research the value and bring some options back for the school board to consider. Her motion was approved by a 5-0 vote. Two board...