Credit must go to the Bay School in Mathews for holding off for months on demolition of the L.M. Callis house, allowing time for an interested group of residents to determine if the beautiful structure can be saved.

We also give credit to those in the community who raised the alarm, “It must be saved,” while recognizing the school has a right to do with its property what it must.

Credit is also due to those who are now putting their heads together, trying to come up with a plan, which will surely include significant sums of money. They are facing a tight deadline.

The Bay School has created a pathway to the arts in our community since its establishment in 1998. It now occupies a prominent spot on Main Street and was no doubt delighted when the opportunity came to obtain the old house and acreage behind its present structure, a former store building.

Understandably, the home’s deteriorated condition presented an awesome challenge to a school that is always seeking ...