Dover City Schools to sell former administrative office

DOVER — Dover City Schools is considering selling a house at 219 W. Sixth St. that formerly housed the school district's administrative offices.

The board of education discussed what to do with the building during its meeting on Monday.

The house has served as the district's administrative offices for several decades. Once the new high school was completed, those offices were moved into a renovated space within the 1962 wing of the school.

"This provides greater public accessibility, as well as practical meeting spaces for the district and board," said Superintendent Karie McCrate.

"Unfortunately, the district simply does not have a need or purpose for the original office space, and we had discussion about how to proceed in a way that demonstrates good stewardship of public tax dollars, while acknowledging the historical relevance of properties that are a part of our community’s story."

She said the board hopes to begin the process "that would allow interested parties an opportunity, within a reasonable but finite period, to consider acquisition and relocation of the home currently at 219 W. Sixth St."

The house was built in the 1890s by Sam Reeves, Sr., on land given to his wife, Belle, by his father, Jeremiah Reeves. The house was designed by George F. Barber, a Tennessee architect, according to the Dover Historical Society.

Sam Reeves lived there until his death in March 1901 of typhoid. Belle, and their three children, Helen, Margaret and Sam Jr., remained there for a few years before moving to a new house on E. Iron Avenue.

"More information will be coming in the next few weeks; however, our goal is an effort of community outreach and engagement by making it available within reason prior to the district needing to dispose of the property," McCrate said.

In other action at Monday's meeting, the board accepted a $10,000 donation from the Dover Education Foundation on behalf of the Wilson Family Memorial for microscopes for the high school science department.

"We are incredibly blessed by a supportive community and so many who value education," the superintendent said.

"This will have a great impact on science teaching and learning in our labs and continue to drive us forward in our STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education and lab spaces."

This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: Dover City Schools to sell former administrative office