Sell 'Taj Mahal'? It's possible
Faced with a potential budget shortfall of up to $35 million next school year, Charleston County schools Superintendent Nancy McGinley plans to ask the school board on Monday for permission to investigate the potential benefit of selling the main district office downtown and relocating elsewhere.
The building at 75 Calhoun St. has been a sore spot for the district since its construction 15 years ago. The $8.3 million building earned the nickname "Taj Mahal" at the time because of the public perception that district staff had a much nicer building than the typical school.
The Post and Courier
Superintendent Nancy McGinley will seek the Charleston County School Board's permission to look at the potential benefit of selling the district's headquarters, which has been appraised at $13 million.
McGinley's request is one way officials are trying to find as much savings as possible, but she said she also hopes it builds confidence among area residents that school leaders are considering every option before closing and consolidating schools.
Many area residents expressed concerns last month during public hearings about whether the district had looked at other options, such as closing 75 Calhoun, before considering closing schools.
"We have to explore this because the budget situation is so serious," she said. "We are in full agreement that there are no sacred cows, because it's such an enormous challenge to figure this out."
McGinley didn't know whether the district would realize savings from selling the paid-for building. Officials also would have to consider potential relocation costs and sites, she said.
The city donated the land at 75 Calhoun St. to the school district and signed an agreement with the district to share the building.
Two of the building's floors are used for district offices, and the city leases the top floor. The district paid two-thirds of the interest and principal on the building's note, and the city paid the remaining portion.
The agreement requires the district, which owns the building, to first offer the building to the city to buy or lease, and the city would have 90 days to decide whether it wanted to enter into a contract on the building.
Previous Story
'Taj Mahal' a lightning rod: Selling school district office building might not net savings some hope for, published 09/23/06
If the district were to sell the building to the city, the price would be reduced by the amount the city has paid by the time of the sale and by the fair market value of the land.
If the city decided not to buy it, only then could the district offer the building to the public under any terms it wanted. A May 2006 insurance appraisal showed the building and the land valued at $13 million.
Charleston Mayor Joe Riley is opposed to the district moving its offices. The city would exercise its first right of refusal, he said, so the district would be unable to get the pure market value of the building and the land.
He contended that the building is best suited for the district from a cost-benefit standpoint as well as a utilitarian one in that it is centrally located and easily accessible.
He said he felt it is appropriate for the district to consider such a sale, so residents know that everything is being examined, but he did not think the board should proceed with a move.
"From a financial standpoint, it would be a very bad decision (for them to move)," Riley said. "We've got to make the right decision, not just do something that might address some conception or misconception."
The issue of whether the district should sell 75 Calhoun St. came up more than two years ago during the 2006 school board election, and board member Arthur Ravenel Jr. was among the candidates who advocated selling or leasing the building and moving district offices elsewhere.
School board Chairwoman Toya Green said she supported an investigation into whether it would be a good business decision to sell the building, because of the drastic budget cuts, although she wasn't committed to moving forward with the sale.
"I want the public to know that we're in dire straits right now," Green said. "Our budget is big, but it takes a lot to run a school district of this size."
District staff plans to brief the board on Monday about the district's budget woes for this and next fiscal year.
Reach Diette Courrégé at 937-5546 or dcourrege@postandcourier.com.
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Comments
UrGatorbait (anonymous) says...
The soaking continues in Charleston county. Riley will buy it with part of the $1 billion I guess.
January 9, 2009 at 1:16 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
letstakeawalk (anonymous) says...
I totally see the logic in this thinking. I'm a little short of cash to pay the people who landscape my yard; I think I'll put my house up for sale. Then I'll have all the money I need!
January 9, 2009 at 1:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
postman01 (anonymous) says...
Very good. Considering the abominable state of public education in Charleston County public schools, this is long overdue. The fact is that, in this age of computer technology, the top people in the CCSD can do absolutely everything they do in the "Taj Mahal" in a lot in North Charleston filled with trailers. They deserve this "punishment" for their absysmal performance and should only be in a building that reeks with imperial splendor when they do their jobs extremely well. If and when they turn a performance that equals schools like Bishop England, Blessed Sacrament and othe private schools should a "Taj Mahal even be considered. We won't demand that they match Porter-Gaud because that is something they are quite simply incapable of.
January 9, 2009 at 3:06 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Creeker01 (anonymous) says...
They should sell it.
Slap 3 dozen trailers on stilts together in Meggett and call it home.
With Computers, they should be able to handle their work from home, anyhow... except the guy delivering the Toilet Paper.
Get rid if their Castle.
January 9, 2009 at 3:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
spengler (anonymous) says...
so it can't be sold unless riley can line his pockets?
January 9, 2009 at 5:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Neponset (anonymous) says...
Looking at the picture - that is a big building - wonder how many CCSD folks work there? Maybe they should take a hard look at all those high priced positions and consider some house cleaning. They need most of the folks on the deck plates (teaching) and just a few on the bridge (managing things).
January 9, 2009 at 6:11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
"...[Riley]..said he felt it is appropriate for the district to consider such a sale, so residents know that everything is being examined, but he did not think the board should proceed with a move."
What he meant: Go ahead & PRETEND you plan to do something about the financial disaster--it'll buy you some time. But, don't ACTUALLY DO anything about it!
January 9, 2009 at 6:27 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mac0cm4 (anonymous) says...
Imagine that, Riley screwing another entity just because he can. King Riley gets what he wants...
January 9, 2009 at 6:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
theronce (anonymous) says...
Why sell prime paid-for property in the current economy when demand is down. Try downsizing staff (educators not teaching, not the nuts-and-bolts staff) and then leasing out the newly vacant office space.
January 9, 2009 at 7:09 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wonderdog (anonymous) says...
While the Taj was being built, I grumbled every time I drove by vacant school buildings that resulted from the consolidation of schools, not the buildings' conditions. Why couldn't they have used one of those buildings?
If those buildings are good enough for the students......yeah, sure.
January 9, 2009 at 7:09 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Funky_Winkerbean (anonymous) says...
Good! What a waste... I think it should be turned over to Crisis Ministries to house the UNEMPLOYED HOMELESS... Sell it? I really wonder who will benefit from that sale! Maybe our schools will get a little piece of the pie but most of that sale would go to the CITY OF CHARLESTON for more tourism...Whoop!
January 9, 2009 at 7:16 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
theronce-that was the other thing I was thinking--they sure picked a fine time(economic atmosphere) to throw out this particular idea/plan-when there is little chance they would have to go through w/ it.(i.e...real estate being a tough/impossible way to generate profit at the moment)
January 9, 2009 at 8:27 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
whome (anonymous) says...
Ahh. So Charleston County buys Harmony Hall at the peak of the bubble. Now the school district thinks about selling the Taj Mahal went the only people investing in Commercial Real Estate are vulture investors.
We deserve our last place finish in education.
January 9, 2009 at 8:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
grayhead (anonymous) says...
Maybe there's another way; like firing a PR person making $75+K (why do they need a "spokesperson? Or rather "spin doctor"); or not paying for 300+ cell phones of bureaucrats; or just reducing the number of paper-pushing, make - work bureaucrats. But I do really like the trailers in Meggett idea. Even better: make them move into one of the schools they want to close; or, don't close any....isn't old Rivers High/middle empty again?
January 9, 2009 at 8:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dawhetsell (anonymous) says...
Charleston County schools Superintendent Nancy McGinley must have someone who wants the property. I wounder what she will get out of the deal? Real Estate is not selling very good now, but for her FRIEND she might sell it for 10 cents on the dollar and give the school district some money to spend on their pet projects. Maybe they will move into an old house over on meeting street. Just have the Superintendent and one Sectatary fire the rest of the other free loaders drawing high paychecks. This should save the district millions of dollars.
January 9, 2009 at 8:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Brutus1 (anonymous) says...
Heck, MUSC will buy it. They have already bought everything in downtown Charleston. Build buildings and no where for there employees to park.
January 9, 2009 at 9:12 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CHRISJIII (anonymous) says...
What a dumb idea. Should the city now sell city hall to help boost the economy?
January 9, 2009 at 9:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Hwebster (anonymous) says...
I was in 75 Calhoun Thursday afternoon. I saw alot of space that could be freed up for classrooms and the parking out back was covered.
January 9, 2009 at 9:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
postman01 (anonymous) says...
This is one of the smartest threads I've seen. Apparently most people understand not only that something is grossly wrong with public education locally but also have a fair idea about what is wrong.
January 9, 2009 at 9:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
Well, postman, it appears that Riley & the school board believe we all are a bunch of dummies.
What I gleaned from the article is that all the "powers that be" in this issue have all but admitted that the only reason this idea is being put on the table is to show us, the citizens, just how bad their financial situation is & how "seriously" they are taking it.
In reality, though, it appears to be another smoke & mirrors show--a halfhearted attempt at appearing to be responsible.
January 9, 2009 at 10:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
grayhead (anonymous) says...
Hey, abitskeptical, they ought to think we're a bunch of dummies....we keep re-electing the same politicians over and over, after they smile while screwing us, confiscating more and more of our money and telling us we can't POSSIBLY be against what they're doing with it!
January 9, 2009 at 10:15 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
whycantitbebetterhere (anonymous) says...
There aren't many schools left downtown because everyone goes to private school. They need to locate in North Charleston and get a good look at those schools everyday so they can figure out how to fix em.
January 9, 2009 at 10:18 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bpwnz (anonymous) says...
If the city did buy it is there anything in the contract with CCSD that would prevent the city from reselling it in a year or two at their profit?
January 9, 2009 at 10:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
Well, ya got a point there, grayhead.
I, for one, however, have never cast a vote for Riley.
And as far as the school board goes, I always vote for the new blood.
I've done my part.
January 9, 2009 at 11:09 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JonWithnal (anonymous) says...
Sell it.
January 9, 2009 at 11:39 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
whatelseisthere (anonymous) says...
Sell it and send those employees to a school scheduled for closing....what a great idea! Better though would be for Riley to give up his offices and go move to the same school. Come on Riley....put OUR money where YOUR mouth is!
January 9, 2009 at 11:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mikesingle1950 (anonymous) says...
Sell the building and give the classified employees a raise. These people do the hard labor and work behind the scenes to keep the schools open and running. These employees are under paid and over looked.When it comes to cut backs, they're the first to go.CCSD does not pay these people enough for their hard work. If you are one of the "chosen" you can do no wrong, and your pay will reflect it.Put the slackers out of 75 Cal. and put them in the schools were they belong.Let see the mess and the problems..Somebody needs to WAKE UP.
January 9, 2009 at 12:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
postman01 (anonymous) says...
You're right, abitskeptical. Until WE THE PEOPLE stop supporting entrenched politicians and refuse to vote for them regardless, this absurdity will continue. Grayhead is correct, as is mikesingle1950. Defeating the people we are talking about would actually be a walk in the park if we behaved appropriately at the ballot box.
January 9, 2009 at 12:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
blackwoman (anonymous) says...
Why not turn it into a school? This is no time to be selling real estate at rock bottom prices. A four day school week would save millions. Schools which spend more money per student should require the parents to make up the difference.
January 9, 2009 at 4:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
orphanannie2009 (anonymous) says...
blackwoman is correct with her statement that a 4 day week would save the system millions during this financial crisis. The problem is that most people don't understand(or want to understand) the concept of a 4 day week. If you research other places you will find that it amounts to about 1 additional hour each day. Attendance improves (students and teachers), drop-out rates lower,and longer uninterrupted classes are just some benefits. You would only take the instructional minutes from day 5 and move them into the 4 day week...the other times from day 5 (lunch, recess, planning periods,beginning/dismissal procedures, etc) would not go to the 4 days since those days would have them built into the day already. Day care a problem? I checked with my son's center...the afterschool program would cost me $50. a week. If I had to send him one full day it would be $20.00....gee whiz, I'd save $30.00 a week! More $$ in my pocket....I'd love it! Why isn't any group at least investigating this idea? Other places have found many benefits to their students....go to www.webster.k12.ky.us and click their tab on their 4 day week rationale. If they won't consider this as an option I guess they can sell the building, have one giant yardsale of the inside contents, and hold a bakesale while they're at it:)
January 9, 2009 at 7:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mlm (anonymous) says...
One person has said, "Give Nancy Mac a chance and [let her] sell the freaking bldg."
I'd agree except she's just playing with us. As someone else has said, this is just more smoke and mirrors from CCSD. They need to look like they are responding to the public outrage for years of repeated failures.
If she was serious, she would have at least mentioned the other CCSD headquarters it also owns and still uses on Leeds Avenue. This isn't like they would be selling the only roof over their head. This is CCSD's 2nd home. McGinley's pitch about the cost of "finding another place" only proves she's being less than honest about this offer. They already have another place. It was CCSD's headquarters after they left Chisholm Street and before Mayor Riley talked them into a sweetheart deal that built 75 Calhoun.
CCSD could even cut their moving costs a lot if they would terminate just 20% of the fat they employ at the administrative level. With fewer $100,000 plus administrators they would need fewer corner offices, too.
I'll start believing McGinley when she starts talking about cutting some of the people in her office, instead of eliminating teacher vacancies by consolidating classes so they hold the maximum allowed by law...35 (or more).
She says 80% of CCSD's budget is to pay people. How many of them actually work with students? Not many who share space in McGinley's office. Another fib from McGinley was to imply that selling a building would boost the operating budget. Not true. Capital funds can't be legally used to fund operations, but cutting out fat administrative positions and bureaucratic waste would benefit the operating budget.
What she's also not telling us is her plan calls for building over $100 million in new schools where she's closing schools for declining enrollment. Her credibility, like her math, doesn't add up.
Sell the building...better still, lease it...the city needs the office space. (Maybe they could get $29 a square foot.) Then if you really want to save millions for years to come, make them trim the fat at the top.
January 9, 2009 at 7:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
firemike (anonymous) says...
I agree with almost every response. If the building goes up Riley will make money on it. Period
January 9, 2009 at 9:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandy (anonymous) says...
The schools have such budget problems because like everything else about property Charleston County tried to shift the burden of school support away from primary home owners who are mainly school users as well as voters to all other classes of real estate and to the sales tax. And now shockingly find in a recession which certainly slows sales tax revenue that they are in trouble. Oh my. Time to reap what you sowed. Your restaurant business declines under the burden of the hospitality taxes and your real estate sales suffer from among other things punitive taxes on non primary residences and the ill thought out SC wind pool which allowed insurers to discontinue wind coverage and dump their policyholders in the higher cost wind pool. Don't be surprised to see neighboring states gain at your expense because they have an even playing field in their tax programs and sensible insurance programs.
January 9, 2009 at 9:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
zoomru (anonymous) says...
Some GREAT comments......!!!! LOL..!!
Maybe it needs to be a HISTORICAL LANDMARK as per this article......
http://www.charleston.net/news/2009/j...
....and then have the COUNTY and City to squabble and line the pockets of LOCAL lawyers for DECADES to come....
LOL .....LOL !!!!
January 9, 2009 at 10:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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