Chillicothe senior citizens will no longer have to envision the prospect of sharing their facilities with local middle school students.

In a Sept. 9 closed session, Chillicothe R-II school board members voted not to enter into a contract with the Concerned Christians of the Community - which represents seniors - for a joint facility. Superintendent Dr. Linda Gray Smith said the board made the decision after reviewing the proposed contract and offered no specifics.

The idea was opposed by senior citizens who use the Grand River Multi-Purpose Center in downtown Chillicothe. A petition had collected nearly 500 signatures against the concept of a senior center and allied programs combined with middle school classrooms and other R-II services. The petition was to be presented at Tuesday night's regular school board meeting at the high school, but was canceled after the board's vote.

"We won," said LeRoy Butts, a member of the senior board.

Seniors against the idea expressed concerns about a common facility based on exposure to contagious diseases, injuries due to student activities and questions over control over the kitchen and dining room.

The school district had been considering the partnership as a way of splitting the costs to build the structure. The building would have included a senior center, related programs such as a thrift clothing store, early childhood center, and seven middle school classrooms.

Officials such as Dr. Smith touted the idea as an effective way of enriching the needs of both age groups - for example, through reading and conversation.

The district currently operates its early childhood program out of separate locations. The district had also demolished its former middle school building during the summer out of safety concerns. Mobile classrooms were placed on the site, with the city granting their use for three years.

Dr. Smith said the school needed agreement from the senior citizens before proceeding with the joint facility plan.

Now because of the rejection, she said the board will rely on a community facilities committee charged with holding 10 meetings. The next meeting is set for Sept. 22, and the panel is set to conclude its sessions in December. Dr. Smith said an analysis of the district's facilities needs will be prepared for the board.

Mr. Butts said there are currently no plans for the Grand River Multi-Purpose Center to move from its current location. He suggested the senior board may undergo future personnel changes due to disagreements over its direction.

Concerned Christians operates senior citizen programs from several locations in Chillicothe.

Ray Scherer can be reached at rscherer@npgco.com.