District to Review New Plans for Easley High School

Opponents to the demolition of the 1939 Easley High School building may have some good news on the horizon as the school board will review new plans that could preserve the building.

In June, the School District of Pickens County plans to begin work to convert the old Easley High School in to a new middle school. Part of that plan calls for the demolition of the portion of the building that was built in 1939 by Daniel Construction. Many Easley residents have voiced disapproval of this decision and have asked the board to reconsider.

The board of trustees has announced a special meeting on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at the district office to discuss two new plans for the old high school building.

"There will be two new options presented and both include preservation of the 1939 building," Building Administrator Bob Folkman.

Originally, the board was presented with four plans for the renovation of the building, two of which included the old building but at an additional cost to the district.

Residents concerned with the demolition of the 1939 building vocally petitioned the board last week to find an alternate route to preserve the school building. 

After the meeting, Folkman began working with the architectural firm McMillan Pazdan Smith to determine what can be done to preserve the building.

"These new options are at no additional cost to the district," Folkman said.

Folkman could not offer details on the plans but said he is hopeful that the board will consider them as favorable options to the existing plan.