HOWELL— More ways to use space in the former Southard School are finally coming into play as the Howell Township Council and the Howell K-8 School District Board of Education enter into a shared service agreement.
School administrators closed the 50- year-old Southard School, Kent Road, in 2009 because of declining enrollment in the district. The school board retains ownership of the building and rents out portions of it throughout the year.
The latest plan will also call for a separate shared service agreement with the Howell Police Athletic League (PAL) in order to provide residents with programs that may not be able to be provided at Howell’s recreation building.
The idea was discussed at recent council and school board meetings, and officials expressed their excitement about the endeavor. The agreement could relieve some of the township’s duties through the recreation department.
“The possibility of a partnership, vs. a continuing active role in recreation by the township, will be closely examined during the upcoming budget process,” Township Manager Helene Schlegel said.
She said municipal officials are in discussions with the PAL regarding the type of recreation programs that may be offered at the Southard School.
“Throughout the years, the township and the PAL have had a very cooperative working relationship and we are anticipating expanding that relationship,” Schlegel said.
The collaboration among the township, the school board and the PAL will be a positive addition to the community, she said.
“All three agencies are cognizant of the benefit of providing services to our youth of all ages and are all committed to achieving that goal,” Schlegel said. “We are excited with the possibilities and look forward to further collaboration in creating a stronger community spirit.”
Officials said there have been discussions about programs that have been successful in the past as well as new programs based on public requests and inquiries.
“This is just another way to provide services to the people of Howell,” Mayor Robert Walsh said. “Our manager and department heads are constantly working toward improving the services while at the same time keeping the costs in check.”
Other council members agreed that the agreement and use of the Southard School will help the community in many ways.
“I think it is huge; it is something we have been talking about for a long time,” Deputy Mayor William Gotto said. “To think what we are going to get out of this and how this is going to impact all of our residents on recreational programs that are just so important to this community, I am pleasantly shocked.”