Today Mayor Mike McGinn announced that the city and state are helping the Fauntleroy Community Service Agency save the 93-year-old Fauntleroy School in West Seattle by purchasing it from the Seattle School District. The acquisition preserves a neighborhood asset for long-term community benefit and use.

The Fauntleroy School, at 9131 California Ave. SW, operates as a community center, including the Fauntleroy Children’s Center, a child care center serving about 80 families and 100 children.

“The Fauntleroy Children’s Center has been serving West Seattle families for more than 30 years. This acquisition means we are truly ‘home for good,’” said Kim Sheridan, Children’s Center director.

The Fauntleroy Community Service Agency (FCSA), master tenant and manager of the building since 1981, will become owner of the property. The FCSA, with the assistance of the city of Seattle and the Legislature, has purchased approximately 3.1 acres of the Fauntleroy School site for $2.9 million. The FCSA will raise funds for the renovation and maintenance of the historic school building – estimated at several million dollars.

“The Fauntleroy School is often described as the center of our community. We are delighted to be able to acquire and preserve this important landmark. The Fauntleroy neighborhood thanks city and state officials for their strong support,” said Kevin Wooley, FCSA board chair.

The Washington State Legislature, under the leadership of House Speaker Frank Chopp and members of the Seattle delegation, appropriated $1.9 million from the Community School Program to help community non-profits acquire surplus school sites. The mayor and City Council appropriated $1 million to support the acquisition of the surplus school.

“The Fauntleroy School is an invaluable community asset,” said McGinn. “Saving this resource for public use is an example of the good work that is possible when the state, the city and neighborhoods work toward a common goal.”

The original Fauntleroy School building was constructed in 1917, with additions in 1950 and 1953. The Seattle School District operated the elementary school until 1981. The acquisition includes the historic school building, parking lot and most of the existing playground. The Seattle School District will still own about 1.4 acres of the Fauntleroy School site.

In 2007, Fauntleroy School was declared surplus by the Seattle School District.