September 12, 2026
Dear Anderson Five Families and Community:
Anderson School District Five understands that the recent announcement regarding the future of Project Challenge Playhouse has created questions and concerns throughout our community. Project Challenge Playhouse has served young people in Anderson for nearly four decades, and we recognize the organization's significance to generations of students and families. We value the opportunity to provide additional context regarding the District facility it has historically utilized.
First and foremost, Anderson Five remains a strong supporter of the arts and the important role arts education plays in the development of our students. That commitment is reflected in the visual and performing arts programs and opportunities available throughout our schools. The arts are a pillar of who we are as a school district, and that commitment remains unchanged.
As part of the District’s ongoing assessment of facility needs across Anderson Five, significant concerns have been identified regarding the condition of the facility historically utilized by Project Challenge Playhouse. Given the condition of the facility and the extent of the needs identified, the Anderson Five Board of Trustees determined that the District could not responsibly continue making this building available for programming. As a result, the facility was removed from the District’s list of facilities available for community use until further notice. That decision did not end the District’s willingness to work with Project Challenge Playhouse.
For nearly 40 years, Anderson Five has supported Project Challenge Playhouse by making District space available for its programming without charging a rental fee. As a nonprofit organization, Project Challenge Playhouse was informed that it could still request use of other available District auditoriums without a facility rental fee, consistent with Board Policy KF - Community Use of School Facilities. As with other 501(c)(3) organizations' use of District facilities, the organization would be responsible for costs associated with technology, custodial services, security, or other staff necessary to open and operate the facility. The opportunity to utilize other District facilities with no rental fee provides continued support for Project Challenge Playhouse while also ensuring that the costs associated with the operations of an active school facility are covered. This option was offered to and remains available to Project Challenge Playhouse.
While Anderson School District Five is a longtime supporter of Project Challenge Playhouse, the District and Project Challenge Playhouse are two separate legal entities. The Anderson Five Board of Trustees’ decision to no longer permit use of a District-owned facility due to building condition concerns should not be interpreted as a decision to close Project Challenge Playhouse or end its programming. Decisions regarding the future of Project Challenge Playhouse rest with its own Board of Directors, as the school district does not maintain governing or legal authority over this entity.
We fully recognize and appreciate the positive impact Project Challenge Playhouse has had on generations of students and families throughout our community; that history is why Anderson Five remains open to continuing our longstanding relationship in a responsible and sustainable way through the alternative use of other facility options.
Anderson School District Five’s commitment to the arts remains unwavering. We look forward to continuing to create meaningful and accessible arts experiences and opportunities for our students and community.