A group is proposing the next life for the soon-to-be-vacated Clay High School building.

The Career Academy Network of Public Schools is interested in leasing or buying Clay High School.

Wednesday morning, a group of bi-partisan elected officials and community leaders held a press event in front of the school to endorse a plan that would keep academics alive after the South Bend School Corporation leaves the building next fall.

With little movement in the efforts to keep the school open as a separate school district, the idea of turning the building into a charter high school for The Career Academy is gaining traction.

County Councilwoman for the district Amy Drake said “Career Academy at Clay High School will be good for students, and for their careers. And, of course, it will be good for the surrounding neighborhood.”