The school, which is now located at the Halifax 4-H and Rural Life Center on Highway 903, was one of several Rosenwald Schools, located in the county, in fact the county had more of the schools than any, said Angelo Franceschina, president and CEO of the Rural Initiative Project.
Commissioners approved filing a grant application on behalf of Rural Initiative seeking funds to take care of some $55,500 in repairs and renovations to the building which served as a school for blacks during the early 1900s.
“That legacy is too important to lose,” said Brenda Hamilton, granddaughter of Cary Pittman, who donated land for its original site and was instrumental in its construction.
Franceschina told commissioners there is a serious problem with the roof of the building and documentation included in the board's agenda packet packet notes other problems with the school, ranging from windows to floor joists.
Arthur Whitehead, Halifax County Cooperative Extension director, said, “It could be used a lot more,” if repairs are done. “It would be a great help for the facility, otherwise we would have to tear it down.”
Joe Long, director of the Rural Life Center, told the commissioners he and others interested in renovating the school want to see it tied together with the entire complex.
Hamilton said those interested in saving the building would be interested in doing fundraisers to offset the costs. “We are certainly open to that and receptive. It will be part of an overall process.'
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