ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - Weeks after facing public criticism for purchasing land adjacent to Clayton High School, the Clayton School Board is backtracking on those plans.
In a letter sent to parents and members of the Clayton community obtained by KMOX, the Clayton School Board announced Monday plans to purchase land where the headquarters of Caleres currently resides have been terminated.
"One item that has garnered consistent support is the need for an updated long-range facilities plan. It has been 15 years since the last district master plan was completed," said the Board in the letter, "during which time our cirricula and students experiences have continued to evolve and grow."
"This long-range facilities plan remains one of the Board's highest priorities. We will be engaging stakeholders to ensure the final plan positions the School District of Clayton to meet our students' needs for the next 10-15 years."
Clayton School District announced just after the New Year the district was purchasing the headquarters of Caleres, which is located adjacent to Clayton High School.
However, the purchase received backlash from the Clayton community, with criticism aimed at the lack of communication regarding the purchase and concerns about lost tax revenue. Some of the biggest critics include a Clayton Condo Building Association, which includes four former Clayton Mayors, and a group of residents led by former KMOX personality Charlie Brennan.
The district's Board of Education apologized for the inadequate communication a week after the purchase. The board said in its letter it was at the time in the process of examining their due diligence information related to this potential property acquisition.
Had the deal gone through, the sale would've been scheduled to be completed in February with the deal being financed through a 20-year financing plan meant to avoid increasing taxes and structured like a bond issue. The district were planning to utilize District capital improvement funds.