‘I had so many good times there’: Former student remembers halls of Fannin Elementary as Abilene ISD looks to unload unused properties
ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – As the Abilene ISD school board thinks over offloading some of its unused properties, former students walk down memory lane, recalling teachers, report cards, and significant dates.
The Abilene ISD school board met Monday for its monthly chat. One topic included the possibility of selling off two former educational facilities that have been vacant the past few decades: Fannin Elementary on North 18th street and the Woodson Early Childhood Center.
Abilene ISD tossing out vacant campuses
Abilene ISD’s Associate Superintendent of Operations Dr. Joseph Waldron told the board Monday, the properties have become an unnecessary drain on the budget.
“Abilene ISD having so many properties that are not at full functional capacity; it’s an operational vacuum that is sucking resources,” Dr. Waldron said.
While the halls and classrooms may be empty now, former Fannin “warrior,” Mark Jackson told KTAB/KRBC he recalls the school as the setting of all his most formative childhood memories.
“I still remember every one of my teachers’ names, I still have all my handwritten report cards. I had so many good times there,” shared Jackson. “We played sandlot ball there on that back corner… I actually played football there in the sixth grade, too. That was my one and only season of football.”
From the lifelong friendships Jackson made, to the historic moments he experienced in his time there, Fannin occupies a special place in his life.
“I remember when Kennedy was assassinated. I was in the sixth grade there. Then when I got home, my mom was ironing and crying… I remember it like yesterday,” Jackson remembered.
At Fannin from 1958 to 1964, and over the next five decades, thousands more passed through the halls, making memories and friends of their own. The school closed in 2013 when it hosted grades pre-K through the fifth grade. With no more memories to be made, neighbors say the property has become a bit more of a hazard than an asset in the time since.
Abilene elementary school broken into, vandalized
Still in the early decision-making process, Dr. Waldron told the board, “Both of these facilities have been the victim of vandalism and burglary, and copper, things like that. We do our best to catch them, APD cooperates with us.”
Dr. Waldron informed the board of its options moving ahead if members wished to sell the properties. Currently, only the Fannin building is owned by Abilene ISD, with the adjoining field owned by the city. Some potential investors have shown interest in purchasing Woodson ECC, he said, but no offers have been made on Fannin. However, the board communicated that it would want to keep the cultural and historical ties Woodson has to the community in mind before making any lasting decisions.
Jackson told KTAB/KRBC he was sad to see the old school change hands, though practically, he understood that progress is needed for the district to thrive.
“It’s old, added Jackson. “I’m sure it could be put to a lot of good use… Can’t stop progress. I just hope they document it really well in pictures and so forth.”
The board is set to meet next month to discuss options moving forward with both facilities. After which, the board may begin the process of taking bids.
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