The Davenport School District wants help deciding what to do with JB Young School, once students pack up their lockers and move to different buildings. Tomorrow, officials will start holding "listening sessions," so residents can suggest what organization should occupy the building next.
Spokeswoman Dawn Saul says last fall, the Davenport School Board voted to close JB Young for financial reasons. When classes wrap up this spring, the district's Achievement Service Center will move to the top two floors of the building.
But, the bottom floor will still be vacant. It includes a gym, cafeteria, and offices.
The Davenport School District will hold three listening sessions, starting tomorrow, at 6 pm at JB Young. After that, the board will form a neighborhood committee, which will review proposals from organizations.
In the mean-time, Saul says the transition process is still on-going for JB Young students and teachers. Families are currently deciding whether to send their students to a newly assigned school, or pick a different school of their choice and pay for transportation.
And, Saul says every staff member should have a job at a different school next year. Some employees have already been assigned new positions, while teachers will have to go through a bidding process.
Full schedule of Listening Sessions:
-Wednesday, Feb. 17, at 6 pm, in the JB Young cafeteria, 1702 Main St, Davenport
-Tuesday, Feb. 23, at 6 pm, at the Third Missionary Baptist Church, 222 W. 14th St, Davenport
-Monday, Feb. 29, at 6 pm, at United Neighbors, 808 N. Harrison St, Davenport