Districts open closed schools for new uses

Due to declining enrollment numbers, many schools around Southeast Michigan have had to close up shop. But vacancy is expensive. It's not just shutting the doors and locking the building up. Vacancy isn't proving to be cost effective. So many schools across the area have found a solution to the vacancies -- rent.

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Some districts have left their closed facilities empty, others have torn them down to sell the vacant land and some have rented them out and are raking in a little revenue.

Repurposing Apollo "provided a stronger preschool program, a new revenue source and also additional services for our at risk families in the community," said Jeff Muck, director of recreation and community education for the district.

The Pontiac Board of Education is studying the district's policies on how it utilizes closed facilities, said Georgette Johnson, a spokeswoman for the district. And Royal Oak Public Schools has vacant land, formerly occupied by schools, up for sale.

Huron Valley Schools has made money from rent and the day care, Muck said.

When faced with dwindling revenues and empty buildings, Southfield Public Schools found a solution -- rent.

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