It could be a win-win situation for both the public and parochial schools systems in Ironton.

Last night, the Ironton Board of Education authorized Superintendent Stephan Kingery to offer the Ironton Catholic School System a land contract on the St. Lawrence School building.

The parochial schools have used the old St. Lawrence facility since the mid-70s as an elementary school. Recently, the private system officials requested a 15-year extension on their lease of the building. Kingery said the St. Lawrence School needs a new roof and parochial leaders wanted the assurance they would have the building for their use if they spent money to replace the roof.

Under the terms of the offer, the Catholic system would pay $500 a month to the public system for 15 years. The building would then belong to the Catholic system.

"I believe it shows good will," board member Kathy McGinnis said. "The two systems have worked well in the past."

This sentiment was echoed by Kingery. "The vast majority of parents (in the Catholic system) are taxpayers. We want to have cordial relations and we have had for years," Kingery said.

During the last year, the city school board has discussed the need to sell off some of its unused or underused buildings as a cost-cutting measure. Teresa Moore/The Ironton Tribune