He said he knows how other African-American residents feel when they watch their alma mater fall into ruin while new facilities are built around the county.

"I think we get discouraged as a people when we see the brand new library, the new Sheriff's Office, the YMCA," he said. "Why have we been overlooked when there seems to be so much money for everything else?"

Brooks said he believes "God kept me here for a reason" after a November 2010 stroke. He hopes the school building will be restored in his lifetime.

The alumni group asked the county for an immediate cleanup of the building and to establish a new advisory committee by July 31. The new group would be composed of supervisors, alumni, county staff and community members. The committee would review the consultant's report and determine a use for the building, then seek funding and develop a timeline for restoration.

Supervisor Ruby Brabo said she would be honored to serve on that committee, and the audience applauded. Supervisor John LoBuglio said, "You've always got my support," and the audience applauded again.

Supervisor Joe Grzeika said the county was ready, years go, to move forward with restoration, but can't immediately because of the economy. But he believes the building's "bones are good," and, "It will be part of the planning process."

The supervisors plan to meet, perhaps next month, to discuss capital improvement plans, including the Ralph Bunche school.

Cathy Dyson: 540/374-5425
Email: cdyson@freelancestar.com