Youngsville residents aren’t happy with the idea that the former Youngsville Middle-High School can’t be used for educational purposes or with the fact Warren County is about to lease the building.

During the Warren County School District Board of Education meeting this week, the board approved a lease with Warren County to lease the building. Yes votes were cast Monday by school board members Savanna Cochran, Kevin Lindvay, Paul Mangione, Mary Passinger, John Wortman and Stephanie Snell. No votes were cast by Daniel Sullivan and Tammi Holden. Cody Brown abstained.

The county commissioners will discuss use of the building at its Nov. 17 work session. The agreement, according to a news release from the commissioners, allows the commissioners to opt out after the first year. If the agreement works out, it would be for 25 years. The lease also allows the school district the use of the athletic fields and locker rooms.

During the meeting public comments were made asking for the justification for the lease agreement with Warren County, including why there is a stipulation on the deed for no purchase of the building to include the new owner providing kindergarten through 12th grade education and why a sale or lease is being considered before the property is rezoned by Youngsville Borough officials.

“What we want to see is that this is done the right way. Get the property rezoned and split the track and field off and sell the building if you must,” said one Youngsville resident.

Another public commenter, along with the first, expressed frustration in that the school board’s agenda was changed while noting school districts can’t use taxpayer dollars to pay for utilities and upkeep of buildings for use by the county as a whole. County tax money has to be used for educational purposes, the resident said, with state and federal law stipulating money has to be used for salaries, supplies, student services and capital projects related to the schools.

“In summary, the funds collected by the county school district are legally restricted to benefit students in the public school system, not for broader county government expenses like general utilities and upkeep. So whenever you go to vote for this, think about exactly what you’re doing,” the resident said.

Board member John Wortman asked for the estimated annual utility cost of the building, which is roughly $96,000. The expected savings over the next 24 years would be estimated to be $4.3 million in savings.

“Does the lease that’s in front of us allow the district to retain the use of the athletic facilities that are part of that property?” Wortman asked. Gary Weber, district superintendent, said the county is on board with the school board about maintaining the use of those things.

Next, Wortman read a letter received by the school district from John Papalia, Revitalization of Youngsville president.

“Repurposing the former school building in this way would not only preserve an important part of our community’s infrastructure but also help drive much needed economic activity and job creation in the Youngsville area,” Papalia’s letter said. “The ability for the county to utilize for their needs as well as to attract other tenants into the space will stimulate local commerce, increase community engagement, and strengthen the overall economic foundation of the region.”

During public comment Dr. Wendy Donahue introduced Eleanor Dunn, a member of Revitalization of Youngsville, who said the county’s lease of the Youngsville Middle-High School building hadn’t been discussed during any ROY meetings. Dunn added that she loves Youngsville and if it weren’t for the school, her husband would not have had a job.

A board member asked for an estimate of repairs but nothing is planned except for maintaining the building. Another board member pointed out that $44,000 is going to be spent for the building to sit there while the county has to conduct strategic planning. There are entities that are in need of the building and are interested in the use of it.