Final forum on what to do with empty Geneva school?

What may be the last community forum on the fate of the former Coultrap Elementary School in Geneva is set for 6 p.m. Monday at the school, 1113 Peyton St.

Geneva school officials say they intend to give “updated information” about the building, and that the school board intends to decide its fate by the end of January.

A task force recommended last year that the building be demolished.

It hasn't been used as a school since May 2009, but the school board meets in its cafetorium, and sports teams use its gymnasium.

According to the task force, it costs about $69,000 a year to keep it open, mostly in utilities. It estimated that the building needs $1.2 million to $1.6 million in repairs, including tuckpointing, plumbing repair and replacement, plaster repair and replacements of roofs.

The building's oldest portion opened in 1923 as Geneva High School. Additions were made in the 1958 and 1973. The building became a junior high school when the present Geneva High opened next door, and then an elementary school.

Input is also being taken via email, to board@geneva304.org.