PARSONS — A school building that has been shuttered since 1999 will be demolished.
Parson USD 503 members voted, 5-2, Tuesday to have the old Washington School torn down.
The building had been used as storage for years, but was due to have asbestos removed in July, the Parsons Sun reported.
Plans changed as the district looked at the cost of removing the asbestos, which would be roughly $20,000 less expensive if remediation was part of demolition vs. remediation, the newspaper reported.
The district had been hesitant to remove the structure because of community attachment, and the thought other entities may wish to acquire it, the newspaper reported.
However, a new state law going into effect July 1 would allow the State Legislature the right of first refusal if a shuttered school is put up for sale, the Sun reported.
The demolition option was approved with a 5-2 vote.
