— $1.57 million acquisition aims to keep the 8.4-acre property’s future in local hands while protecting the town’s character and Town Run.

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The Town of Shepherdstown and the Jefferson County Board of Education (JCBOE) announced today that both bodies have approved an agreement under which the Town will purchase the former Shepherdstown Elementary School and associated property for $1.57 million. 

The agreement will transfer the longstanding school building and more than eight acres of associated property to Town ownership. The Town intends to finance the purchase through a bond issuance, allowing the acquisition to move forward without disrupting current Town operations or services.

Town officials said the acquisition is, above all, an investment in Shepherdstown’s future. By bringing the property under local control, the Town aims to preserve the character that defines the historic community, ensure that any future development of the property is guided by local decision-making rather than left to outside parties, and to protect the Town Run – the iconic and environmentally important creek that runs alongside the property.
 
 “This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of a significant property in that it has been at the heart of Shepherdstown for generations,” said Shepherdstown Mayor, James Gatz. “By stepping forward now, we keep  decisions about the future of the property where they belong – with our residents – and we protect the things that make this town special, including the Town Run.”

The Town government will take the time needed over the coming months to study the property carefully and weigh a range of options for its future uses – including such options as adaptive reuse and redevelopment of the building, co-development with one or more partners or a future sale subject to restrictions that reflect the community’s priorities.

For the JCBOE, the agreement provides a responsible path for property that is no longer in use as a school while keeping it in the hands of a trusted community partner. Proceeds from the sale will support the Board’s ongoing obligations and priorities.

“We are pleased to reach an agreement that serves the interests of our students and taxpayers while honoring the building’s place in the Shepherdstown community,” said Dr. William “Chuck” Bishop, Superintendent, Jefferson County Public Schools. “Transferring the property to the Town of Shepherdstown ensures it will continue to benefit local residents.”