The Mount Pleasant Community School District Board of Education met in a special session Monday evening, October 27, to take action on one primary item of new business — the consideration of bids for demolition of the historic P.E.O. Memorial Building, located near the district’s campus.
Three bids were received and opened earlier that afternoon at the central office. The district’s estimated budget for the project was $371,000, with the lowest responsible bid submitted by DeCarlo Corporation at $238,125. DeCarlo met all bid requirements, including bid security, and had participated in both the pre-bid meeting and a site walk through.
After reviewing the bids, Superintendent John Henriksen recommended accepting DeCarlo’s proposal, noting that the company’s experience and preparation gave the district confidence in their ability to safely complete the project.
Safety, Cost, and Future Planning at the Center of Debate
While the bid review itself was straightforward, the discussion surrounding the fate of the P.E.O. Memorial Building was anything but simple. Board members expressed a mix of practicality and emotion regarding whether to demolish, sell, or preserve the historic structure.
Henriksen presented background information on the building’s condition, proximity to the district’s Activity Center, and ongoing maintenance issues — including a recent sewer backup, concerns about asbestos and lead-based paint, and the building’s overall liability risk to the district.
He explained that while some community members had expressed interest in preserving the building, no viable proposals had emerged that would both protect the district financially and ensure the site could be safely used.
“The school district is not in the business of historic preservation,” Henriksen said. “Our responsibility is to provide safe and productive learning environments for our students. Right now, this building presents a safety concern and a financial burden.”
Board Considers Proposals and Community Sentiment
Board members acknowledged the community’s attachment to the P.E.O. building and the desire to see it repurposed. One proposal from a group called CR Heritage had been submitted, but members expressed concerns about its financial feasibility, noting that the plan lacked clear funding and would likely leave the district exposed if the project stalled.
Several members also discussed whether to postpone the demolition decision to allow more time for alternative proposals. However, others noted that doing so could create additional costs and safety risks as the structure continues to deteriorate.
The board also considered the potential impact of selling a corner of district-owned property before the district’s master plan for future campus development is finalized. Most members agreed that holding onto the land was in the district’s best long-term interest.
Final Decision
After extensive discussion, the board voted to accept the low bid from DeCarlo Corporation for demolition of the P.E.O. Memorial Building. The motion passed unanimously.
The demolition work will include removal of the structure and preservation of the building’s cornerstone and its contents, which will be retained by the district.
While many acknowledged the emotional weight of the decision, the consensus among board members was that the move represents a necessary step for safety, fiscal responsibility