An elementary school in southeast Kansas that was closed in May after a year of controversy is still the subject of debate between groups discussing its future.

The McCune school, part of the Southeast School District based in Cherokee, was closed in May, despite protests from several area residents.

The Joplin Globe reports the Southeast School Board asked the city of McCune in April if it could use the building. City officials say they want full ownership of the building. But the school district said in a statement Thursday that it wants to lease the building to the city.

Superintendent Glenn Fortmayer says the district’s attorneys recommended the lease agreement to protect the district from having the building used by another school district.