Worthington school board members unanimously agreed this week to advertise for bids to renovate the third floor of the Worthington Education Center to accommodate leased office space -- but at least one board member expects to see a business proposal for the project before final approval.

Board members met Monday, Aug. 9, at the center, 200 E. Wilson Bridge Road.

Board Vice President Marc Schare said according to Director of Facilities Tim Gehring, renovating 4,402 square feet of unoccupied and undeveloped space on the top floor of the building would cost an estimated $125,000, but that amount "would pay for itself in rentals within three years."

Schare said he wanted to see a business plan in place for the use of the space.

"My questions were whether we had to pay property tax on the portion of the building that was being rented and what other costs might be incurred, as well as whether we have signed contracts in hand," Schare said.

According to Schare, Gehring said those contracts would be signed and a cost analysis completed before work started on the renovation.

Schare also said Gehring told him the signed contracts would "exceed the all-in costs of the renovations and our additional obligations, so the rentals would pay for the renovations."

Gehring said two of the tenants are already known: the YourQuest Foundation, already leasing space; and Care After School, interested in obtaining space, with a third tenant expected in two years.

Schare said Gehring told him the promise of a maximum three-year break-even point is not dependent on the third tenant.

"I asked if it was possible to use existing space to satisfy the needs of the two known tenants, or alternatively, to renovate a smaller portion of the third floor, thus removing the speculative aspects of the proposal," Schare said. "Tim said no, that we need to do the renovation to get and maintain the two tenants."

Schare said the issue will come back to board members for final approval.

"At that time, I expect to see a business proposal with the all-in costs and anticipated rental income outlined, as well as a determination of whether the district will have additional expenses, like property taxes," he said. "Care After School is obviously a close partner with the district, so there are intangible benefits associated with this rental as well."