By Nathan Duke
Staff Writer

Mount Zion Christian School has expressed interest in taking over the Henry Moore School in Candia if the building were to be sold, provided the timetable works out, said David Fischer, member of the Moore School Facilities Committee.

Bob Carter, principal of the school in Bedford, confirmed they are interested in the Candia location. However, Mount Zion must relocate by fall 2006 and Candia is unlikely to decide how to handle its school space issues by that time.

The private school is so far the only entity to express interest in buying the school building if it becomes available. Nursing homes were also contacted, but none expressed interest.

The School Facilities Committee has broken into three groups to discuss options to address the space issues at Moore. The first group has discussed potential renovations to the existing site; the second has researched the construction of a new building; and the third has reviewed the option of creating a cooperative school with a bordering town.

Fischer reported to the school board at its Sept. 1 meeting to discuss the potential for each option, and said the committee will present recommendations for a course of action at the Nov. 4 school board meeting.

School board members said they would make a decision on which option to pursue shortly thereafter to allow the facilities committee to draft plans for the school by January. This would allow the school plan to appear on the March ballot.

"I think we fully expect to make a decision in November," said school board member Ed Caito.

The three subcommittees of the facilities committee will become one large group to draft the plans after the school board makes its decision.

Fischer presented the three options thus far:

* A new building - The committee has found a potential site. Fischer said the owners of the property are interested in selling, but do not want their names publicized at this point.

"We have zeroed in on a 40- plus acre parcel. The land is good, it is a state road and is centrally-located," said Fischer. "There is access (from it) to main thoroughfares. Several committee members have walked the land and it is suitable. We are leaving no stone unturned and are investigating any and every possibility."

In July, the school board sent a letter to several area nursing homes to see if they would be interested in purchasing Moore School to use for facilities, if the school board decides to build a new school.

Fischer said an area private school that is looking for a new location expressed interest to the committee.

* Renovation - Fischer said the committee has an architect and contractor who are donating some free time to look over the plans and give price quotes.

Relocating the kindergarten classes to different parts of Moore facilities, appropriating the size of the gymnasium, providing adequate space for special education classes and the nurse office, and updating the school existing heating and network systems are among the needs for renovations to the school.

* Cooperative school - Once again, Candia is considering teaming up with other towns on building a new school. However, Fischer said Hooksett, Auburn and Deerfield were not interested at this time.

Fischer said the facilities committee have a fourth subcommittee that is focusing on communication with Candia residents.

The subcommittee will have a booth at Candia Old Home Day on Oct. 8.

"The idea is to get feedback, not to sell any of the three plans," said Fischer. "We want to bring awareness to the community."

There will be a forum at 7 p'm. on Sept. 20 at the school to get public comment.