Emerson Hough Elementary could be leased to Newton YCMA for childcare

Newton School Board reached consensus Monday that it wants to maintain ownership of Emerson Hough Elementary School when the district fully transfers to two elementary buildings in the coming years, but there is interest in leasing a portion of the property to the local YMCA for childcare services.

In a special meeting on Oct. 6, the school district’s attorney, Kristy Latta of Ahlers & Cooney, discussed the procedures for sale, lease and disposal of school property. Afterward, the school board gave their thoughts on a proposed lease agreement for Emerson Hough, eventually directing staff to seek options.

Superintendent Tom Messinger said when the district began to move forward with reducing its four elementary buildings down to two buildings, there was some initial talk about what to do with the remaining structures: Emerson Hough and Woodrow Wilson Elementary. But no decisions were made at that time.

“We kind of wanted to wait and see exactly what happens,” he said. “And now the time’s getting near. This is the last year we’re scheduled to be in more than two buildings. As we do that, there are different things — both in board policy and in state law — which govern how you get rid of a building you no longer use.”

According to state law, school boards are required to hold a public hearing on any proposals to sell, lease or dispose of any property belonging to their district. However, the state code also says boards wanting to lease a portion of an existing school building does not need a public hearing requirement.

Lease agreements for a portion of the building would still have to be considered and approved during open meetings, but published notices specifically tied to the proposed lease are not necessary. If the school district did lease Emerson Hough, administrators pointed to the Newton YMCA as a potential tenant.

Messinger recalled the YMCA’s response to a local daycare closing its doors suddenly in late 2023. The organization stepped in and made room for the families displaced by the closure, emphasizing the need for more daycare spaces in the community. Emerson Hough certainly has the space.

Of note, Messinger is a member of the YMCA Board. However, he disclosed that he has abstained from any votes regarding a potential partnership with the school district due to a conflict of interest. Messinger said the school district has a significant interest in making sure there is quality and prevalent childcare.

“There are school districts around us that are in the process of expanding their childcare offerings,” he said. “And a lot of times what happens is if there is childcare offerings in a community and if it’s on the way to work or close by, those places do end up feeding school districts. I do believe it’s of some interest to us.”

School board members were in favor of drafting a lease agreement and debating options, but some were concerned about which spaces to keep out of the lease and how long a contract might last. All agreed childcare is a priority for the community and the school district.

Others worried if interference from the Iowa Legislature could spoil any plans they may pursue with the YMCA. Generally speaking, Latta said, a contract or lease agreement isn’t subject to being undone by subsequent legislative action. It is usually something proactive and not retroactive. But there is no guarantee.