By Margaret Hopper

The latest information on the Aldo Leopold Charter School leases for a proposed expansion for the school comes from Harry Browne's comments and others from Alex Ocheltree, the owning party of a building that used to house Billy's BBQ, but has been offered as an ALCS middle school.

Browne, ALCS business manager and teacher, noted that two leases were written. The first is a straight lease on the property, while the more complicated lease purchase was being further negotiated by ALCS and its attorneys. The second continues to be adjusted and prepared. When finalized, it should be sent to the State for approval, a process which is estimated to take around six months.

A call to Ocheltree confirmed that this was progress, and it appears the lease-purchase agreement will be concluded in time, but state regulations do take time. He was pleased with the efforts. While this does slow down the timetable on construction and renovations, the recent steps were important and the work can continue.