HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 01-16-24; 12-6 - Information Item - Memorandum Regarding Historic Central High School Alumni Meeting ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
DATE: January 16, 2024
TO: Orange County Board of County Commissioners
Bonnie Hammersley, Orange County Manager
Travis Myren, Orange County Deputy County Manager
FROM: Steven A.Arndt, Asset Management Services Director
RE: Historic Central High School Alumni Meeting
On Wednesday, December 6th, 2023, a group of Central High School Alumni held a meeting within at the
Whiffed Human Services Center, BOCC meeting room. In attendance were the following alumni:
Thomas Watson Wayne Bynum
Walter Fairbault Dr. Iris Chapman
Dr. Freddie Parker Danita Tompson
Nell Nichols Carrie Cates
Dr. Harold Russell Joyce Ellington
Bruce Harshaw Marjorie Vanhooke
Harvey Bumphus Gloria Townsend
Dr. Millicent Rainey Danita Thompson
Also in attendance were State Representative Renee Price, Steven Arndt, Orange County Asset
Management Services Director, and Dwayne Foster, Chief Operations Officer, Orange County Schools.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the future of Hillsborough Elementary School, located at 402
Nash Street, Hillsborough, NC. This facility was formerly known as Central High School and was the
African American High School in Hillsborough during the times of segregation.
After introductions, Steven Arndt explained to the group that Orange County recently completed a
public-school facilities planning effort that recommended closing this facility and consolidating students
at nearby Central Elementary School. The planning effort called for the renovation and expansion of
Central Elementary School to accommodate the additional students. This consolidation was
recommended to achieve greater efficiency and cost savings. Central Elementary was chosen for the
consolidation as the site contains more land for expansion and because Hillsborough Elementary was in
such poor physical condition.
Steven Arndt also mentioned that the future use of the Hillsborough Elementary site had not been
determined, but that it would likely be re-purposed for some other public use. Several possibilities
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include the creation of a new park or the development of affordable housing. The timing of the
consolidation was contingent upon voter approval of a public-school bond referendum in November of
2024, and then would be implemented at least four or five years after that approval. Decisions regarding
the repurposing of the site were also several years into the future.
The floor was then opened up for comments and discussion.The following comments were expressed by
the group:
- Members of this group stated that they were fine with the overall plan of consolidation.
- However,the former Central High School property was probably historic and is likely a candidate
for historic preservation. Had anyone contacted Peter Sandbeck, the Orange County Cultural
Resources Coordinator regarding this property?
- Regardless of how the site is re-purposed, every effort should be made to salvage and re-use as
much of the existing facilities as possible due to the historical significance to the community.
- Affordable Housing, a Business Incubator and a Teen Center were suggested by the group as
possible uses for the site.
- Save the exterior shell, retrofit the insides of the buildings. Save the stand-alone cafeteria.
- The school property should actually be considered a campus composed of several buildings. It
could become a cultural center, sponsoring social activities, and especially for use as a teen
center. Other uses could include a meeting space and art galleries.
- It was suggested that a study group should be created to look at what other communities have
undertaken to re-purpose old school facilities. The idea was to look at best practices to help
inform a decision on how the property is re-purposed.
- As this facility represents a bitter history of segregation, efforts should be made to recognize and
preserve this heritage.
- One member recalled that this facility was once the hub of social activities for the community.
- The facility could also be utilized for tutoring space.
- Perhaps there is historic preservation money that could be utilized to renovate the facility,there
is a precedent to saving old historic schools.
- The Chair of the group,Thomas Watson, said he was receptive to speaking with or meeting with
the Board of County Commissioners to express the concerns of the group.
- Steven Arndt mentioned that he would be creating a memorandum that captures the thoughts
of the group and provide it as an information item to an upcoming Boad of County
Commissioner meeting.
- Steven Arndt also mentioned that citizens are able to sign up to speak for three minutes about
any subject at any scheduled Board of County Commissioner business meeting.
In summary,the group strongly felt that the facility should be saved and re-purposed in a way that
supports the community. Recognition of the historical context and significance of the site should be
factored into any re-use efforts.
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