The former Hills Elementary School will be demolished less than a year after closing
Though vacant for only a few months, the City of Hills has decided to demolish its former elementary school.
The Iowa City Community School District School Board voted unanimously in March to shut down Hills Elementary, ending more than six decades of education in the small, Johnson County community.
The City of Hills decided that the former elementary school, which has been vacant since the end of last school year, does not meet the community's needs.
The city considered various factors, including potential uses, maintenance and renovation costs, and the long-term vision for the site.
"While it is always difficult to say goodbye to a building that holds many memories, we believe this decision is the best way forward for our community," said Hills Mayor Tim Kemp in a news release. "We look forward to exploring future opportunities for the site that will serve the needs of our residents."
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Iowa City school board shutters only school in Hills
The nearly 60-year-old Hills Elementary building is located roughly 7.5 miles from the heart of Iowa City at 301 W. Main Street in Hills. It was designed to hold 200 students and opened in 1965 with five teachers leading grades 1-8. Hills joined the Iowa City Community School District a year later.
In March's school board decision, directors admitted closing the school was a "difficult but necessary" cost-cutting measure to save an estimated $1.66 million.
Many residents opposed the decision and attended the meeting to voice their concerns.
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ICCSD board supports demolition
Iowa City Community School District Superintendent Matt Degner said in a news release that he supports the decision to demolish the former elementary school building.
"After thorough discussions with the City of Hills, we agree that demolishing the former Hills Elementary School is the most practical and beneficial choice," Degner said. "We appreciate the City's partnership and are committed to working together on the next steps."
The ICCSD 2024-2025 school year begins on Friday, Aug. 23. The former Hills students will attend Alexander Elementary, along with six former Hills teachers and 10 support staff.
Iowa City Press-Citizen reporter Ryan Hansen contributed to this article.
Jessica Rish is an entertainment, dining and business reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. She can be reached at [email protected] or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @rishjessica_
This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: ICCSD and the City of Hills to demolish Hills Elementary School
