Jason Wright addresses County Commission on saving the old Birchwood School
Birchwood residents have organized to try to keep the old Birchwood School that serves as a community center.
Jason Wright, who said he is an alumnus of the school and recently moved his family back home, said the community is concerned over the possibility of the county tearing the school down.
He said he was advised that the boiler in the old school has stopped working and would take $1 million to replace.
Mr. Wright, who was a teacher for 16 years and is a licensed contractor, said it would be "a travesty" to tear down the school, saying it is "the heart of the community."
He said supporters of saving the school got 175 people to come to a community meeting and have started a website and Facebook page. The group has several hundred names on a petition.
Mr. Wright said the building has 30,000 square feet and might be heated and cooled by a much-less expensive system than a new boiler.
He also suggested that the building be used as a rural regional business incubator. He said Rhea County officials have indicated interest in the idea.
County Mayor Jim Coppinger said he had just heard of the incubator idea.
He cautioned that putting the building to use as an incubator might fill it up quickly, leaving no space for community groups.
He said there had never been any intention of closing the health clinic at Birchwood.
Todd Leamon, county public works administrator, said the building appears to be structurally sound.