The Cuyler facility in East Mims is one of the properties identified in the District's Educational Plant Survey as being offered for sale. The building is roughly 16,000 square feet on +/- 2 acres The property is part of a +/- 12 acre parent tract that includes Cuyler Park and Community Center, operated by Brevard County Parks & Recreation through an Interlocal Agreement. The building is not used by the District, but does have historical significance to the local neighborhood.

Facilities Services was approached by the Tooley Community Development Group, a Mims-based 501(c)(3) (non-profit organization) that is focused on affordable housing, educational enrichment, economic development and history, arts and culture in the East Mims community. The Tooley Community Development Group is proposing to revitalize Cuyler as a "technical learning center" that would "prepare East Mims residents for entry level positions in welding, soldering, working with composites, electronics and simple coding. The center will also offer "GED, computer literacy, soft sills courses and case management."  Under their concept, Tooley Community Development Group would lease Cuyler from the District for a nominal cost in order to provide these services. 

The School Board reviewed this concept under the information agenda at the June 14, 2022 meeting.

The Tooley Community Development Group and Facilities Services have developed terms of the partnership under which Tooley Community Development Group would have full control of and responsibility for the building. The District would have no responsibility for maintenance, utilities, insurance or any other aspect of building operation. Tooley Community Development Group would invest in the facility and utilize Cuyler for educational programs and related services responsive to the community's needs.  Tooley Community Development Group has investigated the condition of the building and is prepared to assume responsibility for all aspects of building maintenance and improvement at no cost to the District. 

The lease agreement has been reviewed by Legal Counsel and Risk Management.

Additional information regarding the Tooley Community Development Group and their proposed use of the building is attached. 

Approve the lease agreement with the Tooley Community Development Group, Inc. for the utilization of Cuyler for educational programs and related community services.