Board questions Bethany Charter plan to build gym on district‑owned parcel; explores sale, deed or lease protections

Board discussion centered on a draft updated charter contract for Bethany Charter School, which leases district land for its campus under a long‑standing minimal rent arrangement. Administrators explained the contract was updated after a long interval and that counsel reviewed minor changes; the draft will return in June as an action item.

Several trustees raised concerns that Bethany Charter School representatives have indicated plans to fund a new gym, potentially costing about $1 million, built on district‑owned property. Trustee questions focused on three interrelated concerns: (1) the charter may invest significant funds in district property while paying a nominal lease; (2) if the charter builds a valuable facility on district land, future ownership and access could become contentious; and (3) removal of mature oak trees in the gym site area.

Board members suggested options to protect the district’s asset: (a) ask the charter to purchase the property, (b) update the lease to specify long‑term use and access rights, or (c) convey the deed with reversion language (deed with condition that property reverts to district on breach of certain terms). Administrators noted the property is county land outside the urban growth boundary and is zoned farm, which affects market value and sale logistics.

The board asked staff to return with more information and to invite Bethany Charter officials to present a detailed site plan, long‑range intentions, and whether they would consider purchasing the parcel.

Ending: The draft charter contract remains a future action item on the June agenda; staff will approach Bethany Charter about purchase interest and request a site plan and long‑term plan for board review.