Christian school in Westerlo building
BERNE The Helderberg Christian School is going to be back for another year at the Westerlo school building.
At a meeting last Monday, the Berne-Knox-Westerlo School Board unanimously approved a contract extension for the Christian schools lease. The school will continue paying rent of $750 per month for 5,280 square feet, plus the surrounding grounds and parking lot.
BKW Superintendent Steven Schrade told The Enterprise that, while the rent seems "lower than what might be expected" for commercial property, the contract comes with some uncommon restrictions. Tenants are not allowed to significantly alter the building, inside or outside, and the lease is only for a year, with the option of a one-year extension.
At a meeting in February, a consulting real estate broker told the school board the district probably couldnt get a better price on the building with the restrictions in the contract. Nevertheless, the district did advertise for other tenants, but had no bites.
"There is absolutely no other interested party that has come to us in the past two years," Schrade said.
Schrade characterized the Helderberg Christian School as an "excellent" tenant. The Christian school is responsible for its utility costs and day-to-day maintenance.
The school in Westerlo was formerly used by the district for area students in Kindergarten through second grade. In a decision that upset many Westerlo residents and school alumni, the school board voted unanimously in February of 2005 to close it, citing dropping enrollment district-wide. At that time, the board said it had no interest in selling the school.
Currently, a facilities planning committee, appointed by the school board, is developing proposals for the long-term use of school property. One of its three subcommittees is dedicated to the Westerlo school. The other two are for immediate needs and the placement of the sixth-grade classrooms.
Suggested uses for the Westerlo building range from selling it, to using it for special needs classes or as a magnet school.
The Helderberg Christian School is a non-denominational private school of about 50 students, mostly from the Hilltowns and northern Greene County. It was previously housed in the First Baptist Church of Westerlo.
"We’re thankful for this building and it meets our needs beautifully," said Diane Hannay, Helderberg Christian School administrator. "We’re doing our best to take care of it."
Though heating costs have been high, Hannay said, "It has definitely helped student morale and the overall atmosphere of the school" to be located in its own building.
The Christian school owns land in Westerlo and plans to eventually construct a permanent home there, Hannay said. However, she said, progress has been slowed by the economy and high construction costs.
"Our goal is to stay here for next year," Hannay said. "Beyond that, we’re not exactly certain what our plans are."
