It has been leasing it for a few years.
Frederick, Md (KM). For many years, St. Thomas More Academy has leased its classroom facilities in Middletown from the Board of Education. Now, it owns the property. The Frederick County Council on Tuesday of last week approved the sale of the classrooms to St. Thomas more for $200,000.
“We have been negotiating with the Board of Education for the last year to buy the property,” says Jim Merkel, the President of the Board of Directors for St. Thomas More. “We currently use it for pre- three through eight grades.”
St. Thomas More Academy was established in 2000 as a private Catholic grade school. It started off with four students and held classes at Peace of Christ Lutheran Church in Walkersville. In 2009, it acquired land in Buckeystown and built a school at a site off of Maryland 85 next the Post Office. The Board of Directors sold the site to St. John’s Catholic Prep in 2012, and moved to its current location at 103 Prospect Street in Middletown.
The building was first opened in 1908 as a primary school, according to Councilman Jerry Donald. Later on, it housed administrative offices until the School System opened its headquarters building at South East Street in Frederick. The structure was abandoned in 2010.
“It really is a nice place. It’s on a quiet street. I’m sorry the county’s not going to keep it, but I’m happy St. Thomas More Academy is going to get it, and I hope you have many great years there,” Donald said.
In approving the sale, both the County Council went along with the Board of Education and declared the property surplus, meaning neither the school system nor the county has plans to use the property in the future.
By Kevin McManus