The Future of the Number Nine Schoolhouse as a Community Asset
A Plan In Seven Steps
Our goal: to restore and manage the historic Number Nine Schoolhouse at 831 Mill Brook Road, Fayston, Vermont.
1 (June, 2021 & ongoing)
Began discussions with the neighbors and the Burley family. Conducted a comprehensive outreach to significant stakeholders, advisors, and consultants, including the Preservation Trust of Vermont, to vet the project.
2 (January, 2025)
Defined the mission, recruited board members, and established a non-profit organization to purchase the property: Friends of the Number Nine Schoolhouse, Inc., with 501(c)(3) approval.
3 (August, 2025)
Hired consulting attorneys, tax advisors, and negotiated a favorable purchase and sale agreement and financing. Raised funds privately to cover closing costs and property taxes and closed on the property.
4 (2023 & October, 2025)
Secured long-term leases for full occupancy of the lower level with non-profit organizations that have shared missions: Northern Forest Canoe Trail and Catamount Trail Association.
5
Increasing the organizational capacity by expanding the board of directors and establishing three committees:
Outreach & Marketing (in progress)
- Creating a comprehensive public outreach and marketing effort, including a website: numbernineschoolhouse.org, social media presence, and local media such as Valley Reporter and Front Porch Forum.
- Conducting a 2025 mail campaign to raise $25,000 to pay the first principal payment and develop a building renovation fund.
Buildings & Grounds (Summer 2026)
- Beginning renovations to improve mechanical systems and restore the upper floor to an open classroom environment.
- Creating a comprehensive site plan, development plan, and presentation for consideration of a change-of-use permit to have events and programs that can generate support for the building.
Programs & Events (Fall 2026)
- Managing a variety of short-term uses of the upper classroom that are compatible with public zoning, consistent with the mission, and provide revenue to sustain the building operations. These uses will be determined by a thoughtful process involving the Board of Directors, the Programs and Events Committee, and robust community outreach.
6 (2026 – 2030)
Raise $50,000 annually through donations and grants to retire the mortgage and complete significant restoration and improvement projects.
7 (ongoing)
Friends of the Number Nine Schoolhouse, Inc. will support the ongoing, long-term management and upkeep of the property in a self-sustaining manner, advancing our mission and the public purpose.