By Leslie Collins
Northeast News
January 18, 2012

Originally, Northeast Middle School wasn’t an option in the Kansas City Public School’s repurposing initiative. However, stakeholders have voiced interest in purchasing the property and KCPS officials are now willing to sell it.

Two years ago, KCPS shuttered more than 30 schools as part of its right-sizing initiative to pool district resources and balance the budget. While some sites were mothballed for future use, other sites are up for lease or sale as part of the district’s repurposing initiative. KCPS placed Northeast Middle School on the mothball list for future use.

While discussing options for shuttered Thacher Elementary, community members continued to voice interest in the 8-acre site it shares with Northeast Middle School.

“We haven’t received any interest in Thacher itself, but we have received interest in the larger 8-acre parcel,” KCPS Repurposing Initiative Director Shannon Jaax said.

To give the community a first-hand look at the properties, KCPS will host a site tour of Northeast Middle School and Thacher Elementary at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 31. The tour will begin at Northeast Middle, 4904 Independence Ave. Following the tours, a meeting will be held at 6:15 p.m. at North-East Public Library, 6000 Wilson Rd., to discuss re-use options. For detailed questions and arrangements, contact Nicole Collier White, (816) 418-7745.