Joint committee recommends keeping Metcalf School in educational use; Opportunity Academy move under consideration

A joint city council–school committee working group presented its report on the future of the Metcalf School on March 4 and recommended that the building remain in use for education-related purposes.

Committee members outlined several options discussed during the review, including relocating the Opportunity Academy (an alternative program serving about 50 students who currently lease space off‑site) to Metcalf to secure a permanent school‑like facility with a gym. Committee members noted Opportunity Academy currently pays roughly $50,000 a year for leased space and the move could provide more appropriate facilities for students.

The working group also discussed possible uses for other district facilities and a schematic design for relocation of central office operations; no final decision on central office relocation or other moves was made at the meeting. Councilors urged continued attention to preserving school capacity: Councilor McGrath Smith and others warned that once a building leaves the school inventory it can be more difficult to bring it back into service under current codes and funding rules.

Ending: The committee reported the order as complied with and encouraged the school department and the administration to continue community engagement and a public schedule of meetings as planning proceeds.