The East Wareham School, which has sat empty for years, could see a new use in the not-too-distant future as the Wareham School Committee voted on Feb. 17 to ask Town Meeting to transfer ownership of the building to the town.

In the past, efforts to find a new use for the school at 27 Depot St. were hampered by the belief that it was deed-restricted for educational uses. Superintendent Dr. Kimberly Shaver-Hood said that after some research, it turns out no such restriction exists for the property.

Currently, she said owning the building costs the school district $30,000 to $40,000 in utilities each year. Transferring it to the town, which could sell the building, will save the district money. 

If the Select Board approves the warrant article, Town Meeting voters will decide whether to approve the transfer at the April 25 Spring Town Meeting.