At a special meeting, the school board OK’d the sale by a vote of 6-1.

 Central-Hower is a 230,000 square foot building on the university’s downtown campus. Part of it houses a new STEM high school, which will remain there for now.

The outline of the deal was announced 10 months ago and required changes in state law that govern the transfer of school buildings.

Under the plan, Akron grads with high-enough combinations of grades and test scores will qualify for scholarships at the university, funded through the purchase price.  The school board must still set the final criteria for the scholarships.

The board had been expected to approve the sale more than a week ago, but some members raised concerns about the price and payments.

 Board member Tim Miller cast the only final “no” vote. He said he supports the goal but would have preferred a cash and endowment deal.