Akron School Board Secured Funds for Barrett Demolition
The city received a $1.16 million grant to demolish the vacant Barrett Elementary School building.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Administration
Live Poll
Should your local government prioritize the demolition of abandoned public buildings?
The Akron School Board has accepted a $1.16 million grant from the Summit County Land Bank to clear the site of the long-vacant Barrett Elementary School. The funds will cover up to 75 percent of the total demolition costs for the East Akron property.
Why it matters
The school has been closed since 2012 due to low enrollment, leaving the structure vulnerable to criminal activity like copper wire theft. Demolition is a necessary step before the board can sell the property to a new owner.
The $1.16 million grant from the Summit County Land Bank must be utilized by June 2027 to cover the majority of demolition expenses. The district aims to prepare the site for future sale following years of vacancy and security issues.
The players
Akron School Board
The governing body responsible for overseeing school district facilities and managing property divestment in Akron.
Summit County Land Bank
A public agency dedicated to land reclamation and the remediation of vacant or blighted properties.
Akron Police Department
The municipal law enforcement agency that has reported ongoing security issues at the former school site.
The details
The site has faced ongoing maintenance and security challenges since it last housed the Bridges Learning Center in 2015. Akron police have responded to multiple reports of trespassing and criminal incidents, including an arrest in May 2026 for the theft of copper wire from the building. The demolition will permanently address these safety concerns, allowing the board to divest from the property entirely.
Timeline
2012: The school was officially closed due to low enrollment numbers.
2014: The facility briefly reopened as a YMCA alternative school.
2015: The building became the site for the Bridges Learning Center.
May 2026: A man was arrested at the location for stealing copper wire.
June 2027: This serves as the firm deadline to expend the land bank grant funds.
The Home Front
This demolition reflects a larger trend of school districts divesting from aging, low-enrollment facilities to reduce maintenance and security liabilities. These efforts typically clear the way for repurposing urban land that has remained stagnant for years.
Nearby residents should monitor for official notices regarding the demolition schedule to plan for potential noise or traffic detours in the area. Keeping an eye on city auction listings may provide insight into the future redevelopment of the site.
The takeaway
Demolishing long-vacant school buildings helps secure neighborhoods by removing attractive targets for criminal activity like copper theft. Homeowners in the area should monitor the district’s public meeting minutes for updates on the land sale process.
Further reading
Learn more about local school district facility management in our Administration section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WNIR 100 FM.
Live Poll
Should your local government prioritize the demolition of abandoned public buildings?
