To the Editor:

Now that the Haywood County School Board is keeping Central Elementary, it’s a good time to consider repurposing it into a unique community asset that could be the biggest economic development in years and benefit the entire county as a “Children’s Discovery Place!”

While there may be many possible uses, none are likely to require all the classrooms, auditorium or playgrounds. Nowhere in the county can you find a more unique asset that lends itself perfectly to this type of development.

The best example is KidSenses in Rutherfordton that has had over 500,000 visitors since opening, is housed in just 10,000 square feet and has an annual economic impact of a $1.38 million. It’s so successful they’ve launched a new division called The Factory to broaden the appeal to teens with a whole new slant on STEM education.

Here’s how it could be structured. Establish a public-private partnership between Haywood Schools and a new nonprofit to raise funds to renovate and operate year-round with exhibits, tactile discovery, playgrounds, concerts, STEM programming, etc.

Engage the Chamber of Commerce, EDC, TDA, Arts Council, HCC, WCU, HRMC and even the county library with its expansion plans to create a Lifelong Learning Campus.

Use it as an asset for public schools along with rentals to private schools. Haywood Schools could expand learning opportunities for all students without incurring any additional costs.

Revenue would come from admissions, grants, sponsorships, rental fees and major private donors.

To make this happen, several steps would have to be taken, including:

• Host a meeting with speakers from other children’s museums.

• Form a “Community Exploratory Committee” and conduct a feasibility study to determine community support.

• If there is a groundswell of support, the committee could start a nonprofit to develop a master plan, launch a capital campaign, apply for grants, seek corporate sponsors and cultivate private donors.

Our school board has an opportunity to launch a transformative initiative that will benefit residents and visitors of all ages for generations. I urge the community to let them know of your support.

John Curtis

Waynesville