By Shelby Stewart
Staff Writer
Brandon Twp.- The Belle Ann Elementary School building has sold.
On Feb. 11, the school board voted 5-0 to sell the building to buyer Chuck Schneider.
Trustee Kevin McClellan, was absent with notice and Trustee John Chartier abstained from the vote due to a conflict of interest. Schneider previously made a presentation to the board, stating that he intends to live on the property and house his many collectibles.

The property is zoned residential, and he would also like to open areas of the building to the public for charity events, art shows and field trips.
“I like his offer,” said board president Diane Salter.
“The discussion and the package he put together, well done. I like the idea that we could have an artsy type deal going on and we could have events there.”
There was also an offer that was given to the board on Feb. 11, for $500,000 cash to turn the building into loft-style apartments. The offer from Chuck Schneider was for $550,000 in a two-year land contract, which was previously a five-year land contract. It was discovered right before the meeting that since Belle Ann had bond money into it, the proceeds from the building must be put back into capital improvement projects within two years, which means some of the funds will need to be taken from the general fund and reimbursed. The building has been closed since 2013, and was previously looked at by churches and the township.
There was a third offer for $500,000 from Barry Bass as well.