Tacoma Public Schools is seeking input from the public regarding the reuse or disposition of Gault Middle School, which was closed at the end of the 2008-2009 school year. Two meetings will provide an opportunity for the public to share comments about the future of Gault:
· Oct. 18: 7 p.m., Eastside Neighborhood Advisory Council, pool at Stewart Heights Park, 406 E. 56th St.
· Oct. 20: 6 p.m., Blix Elementary School, 1302 E. 38th St.
If you are unable to attend these meetings, you can submit your comments in writing by Oct. 25 to: Pete Wall, Tacoma Public Schools Planning and Construction Department, 3223 S. Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 or e-mail Wall at pwall@tacoma.k12.wa.us.
The Puyallup Tribe of Indians has recently expressed an interest in purchasing Gault. Details are pending, but at this time, the Tribe’s intended use of the Gault facility would be a “community center.” The current activities involving the pool and the Metro Parks programs are not expected to be negatively impacted by the Tribe’s plans.
Suggestions for future use and/or disposition of the property should be guided by the following:
· The proposed use should be compatible with the Gault neighborhood and community.
· The proposed use should not divert financial resources from the school district’s education programs.
Background:
Gault Middle School, built in 1925, was closed in 2009 as part of the consolidation with McIlvaigh Middle School and the construction of the new First Creek Middle School. Gault and McIvaigh’s student populations were combined at First Creek.
· The Gault site is 7.3 acres and is bisected by L Street.
· The vacant school building is 113,182 square feet in size.
· State funding assistance parameters preclude the reuse of the building for housing district educational programs.
· The site includes a pool (13,804 square feet), which is operated by Metro Parks.