Rochester Public Schools Moves to Close Three Vacant Buildings

Rochester Public Schools is preparing to close three vacant buildings, including the former Friedell Middle School, as part of a broader strategy to address declining enrollment and optimize district facilities. The Rochester School Board held a public hearing on September 9, 2023, to discuss the closures, but no members of the public attended to voice their opinions. A vote on the closures is scheduled for September 23, 2023.

In addition to the Friedell building, the board is considering the closure of the former Mighty Oaks Early Learning Center and a building known as Skyline, which has not housed students for decades. During a study session in July, RPS Chief Administrative Officer John Carlson emphasized the need for the district’s physical space to reflect its current enrollment trends.

The Friedell Middle School building, valued between $3.6 million and $4.4 million, has been utilized for various purposes over the years. It served as the home of the Middle School Alternative Learning Center and the Rochester Academy for Independent Living (RAIL), a program dedicated to students with disabilities. The building has a rich history; originally constructed in 1967, it functioned as a furniture store and a DMV before being acquired by the school district in 1997.

Most recently, the Friedell building hosted the district’s gymnastics program, which included 20 to 30 athletes from various schools. However, Superintendent Kent Pekel indicated during the July meeting that the district currently lacks an alternative space for gymnastics after the closure.

The next building under consideration is the former Mighty Oaks Early Learning Center, located five miles southeast of Mayo High School. This facility, which has an estimated value of $600,000 to $800,000, has transitioned through several functions since its establishment as Burr Oak Elementary School in 1953. After being absorbed by Rochester Public Schools in 1969, it operated as an elementary school until 1977 and later housed programs for emotional and behavioral disorders until its renovation and reopening as the Mighty Oaks Early Learning School in 2017.

Carlson noted that the remote location of the Mighty Oaks facility has posed challenges in attracting parents to enroll their children. The district’s decision to relocate the Mighty Oaks program is part of a broader effort to streamline resources and improve accessibility.

The third building, known as Skyline, is situated near Highway 14 and has been vacant since its closure in 1976. Originally constructed in 1957, the building has primarily been used for storage in recent years. Carlson mentioned that the property, which spans nearly 10 acres, might be valued between $200,000 and $750,000 depending on future development potential.

The Skyline building is in disrepair, with boarded windows and no functional plumbing, heating, or ventilation. Carlson indicated that demolition may be necessary, as the facility is not suitable for educational purposes.

As the Rochester School Board prepares for the upcoming vote, the fate of these buildings remains uncertain. Proposed recommendations suggest that once the buildings are closed, they should be sold. The district aims to ensure that its facilities align with the evolving needs of its students and the community, while also addressing significant maintenance costs.

With $14 million in deferred maintenance costs reported for the Friedell building alone, the district faces pressing decisions on how to manage its facilities effectively.