On Monday, June 13, the Northfield Board of Education will vote on the purchase of the old Northfield Middle School building by Carleton College. Today I am posting the most pressing questions (according to my mail and phones) and answers to those questions:
1. Is there a conflict of interest, given the fact that several school board members are connected to Carleton College?
ANSWER: No. All members have signed a declaration that they have no direct or indirect personal financial interest in the sale.
2. What happened to the dream of a community center for the arts?
ANSWER: Throughout the last couple of years this dream was cherished, and trusted to “Artspace” (a reputable redevelopment corporation). However, Artspace was unable to raise the necessary cash investment and it also did not obtain tax increment financing. It was unable to proceed and withdrew its involvement.
3. The Middle School Reuse Committee identified 5 goals to guide the sale of the MS building. Does a sale to Carleton fulfill these goals?
(more…)
