'Old school' proposal back on agenda
By STEVE KADEL Western News Reporter
The Libby School Board has decided to consider once again the possible sale of the old high school.
After three years of discussion about the building's fate, the board voted recently to demolish the structure. However, an Oct. 1 letter of interest from Conover Bond Development of Spokane has convinced trustees to keep the issue open for another month.
The board will meet with a Conover Bond representative in November, although an exact date has not been set. Some board members emphasized during Monday night's meeting that they will require specific details to be outlined during the session.
Board member Melanie Wood said exact timelines and amounts of money need to be disclosed.
"I feel torn because we've already been through this," she said.
"It's going to have to be pretty solid after this meeting," board chairwoman Teri Kelly said.
Board member Kate Huntsberger said the issue was been thoroughly covered, and she opposed waiting any longer.
However, board member Jim England urged that Conover Bond be allowed to offer a plan.
"Let's give these people a chance to sit down and talk," he said.
The board previously advertised the building for sale with an asking price of $350,000. Friends of Historic Libby High School offered $100,000 and pledged $250,000 worth of in-kind improvements to the building.
Board members rejected the offer, saying it was too low. Board member John Herrmann echoed that sentiment Monday, calling Friends' offer "ludicrous."
Board member Jerry Frament agreed. He said many people believe the land would be worth a lot more than $100,000 with the building gone.
Ryan Romaneski, Conover Bond's director of new market development, didn't include specific offers in his letter to superintendent Kirby Maki. But he said there is an alternative to demolition.
"A group of concerned individuals and organizations — including citizens of Libby, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Montana Preservation Alliance, and Conover Bond — are interested in exploring ways to save the building," he wrote. "The parties have agreed to meet in November to discuss whatever options exist.
"We have a proven record of developing distinctive, enlightened projects. From conception, design and construction, Conover Bond takes an innovative approach to development and historic renovation. We have earned notable recognition at the state and national level for our revitalization efforts, have consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to the communities in which we work, and are well-known for our energetic, entrepreneurial spirit."