TUSD's closed Duffy Elementary School campus is coming back to life.
For nearly two years, the midtown school has sat vacant, closed as a cost-saving measure in 2010.
But on Tuesday night, the Governing Board voted to transform the school into a district community service center.
Though the plan doesn't bring in any additional revenue for TUSD, which has been losing about 1,500 students annually, it will enhance accessibility for families by housing a number of services under one centrally located roof.
The 30,000-square-foot facility, at 5145 E. Fifth St., will be home to:
• TUSD's exceptional education department, currently located at the district's Rosemont and Ajo service centers.
• TUSD's government services programs, which assists families in need, refugees and at-risk students, which currently has support offices at Catalina Magnet High School.
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• TUSD's clothing bank, currently housed at Myers/Ganoung Elementary School.
• TUSD's testing services to identify children with disabilities or suspected developmental delays, which are now conducted in portable buildings at the Rosemont Service Center.
There is also the possibility the district could use some of the building for professional development or its health services center.
In addition to bringing the various services together, some of Duffy's playgrounds will be added to nearby Mary Meredith K-12 campus for exceptional education students.
After the closure of Duffy, the property became highly sought after from nonprofit organizations looking to occupy it for just $1 a year to a local charter school offering to purchase it for $1.6 million.
There was also an offer to buy the property for $1.3 million, which the new owner would use to build apartments on.
Ultimately, the TUSD proposal for community services was well supported by area residents, according to district planner Byrant Nodine.
The cost to move the programs and departments, along with preparing the school, was originally estimated at $200,000.
Contact reporter Alexis Huicochea at ahuicochea@azstarnet.com or 573-4175.
