To: Gary L. Baker, II, Board President, Bryan O. Steward, Board Vice President, Michael Cole, Board Member, W. Shawna Gibbs, Board Member, Mary Jo Hudson, Board Member, Dominic Paretti, Board Member, Ramona R. Reyes, Board Member, J. Daniel ...

Columbus Board of Education: Stop the Clinton Annex Demolition

Please stop the demolition of the "Annex" building at Clinton Elementary.

Why is this important?

If the Columbus Board of Education does not act very soon, the "Annex" could be torn down as early as April 29th. I live up the street and want to live in a neighborhood and a city that maintain the character that comes with the limited number of historic structures that exist in our relatively young city. Many other important points have also been raised:

- The "Annex" could be used for education. Lottery students are already turned away because of lack of space at the high performing Clinton Elementary - less lottery students means less diversity and shared prosperity. Plus, many feel the neighborhood is growing and we very well may need to accommodate more families with young children. Keeping the building gives us flexibility.
- The "Annex" could be used for other purposes. There are clear needs for day care and preschool facilities in the neighborhood, the space could be used for other community needs, entertainment, and more.
- Even if there is no immediate use or immediate funding, we should be looking at the bigger picture and longer term.
- It is likely to cost less to renovate the current space than to build new, as many assume will be needed due to the popularity and success of the school and the neighborhood.

Folks who sign this petition may not agree with every one of these points, but do agree that we should stop the demolition now, before it's too late.