Leavenworth USD 453 board votes to close Nettie Hartnett Education Center

The Leavenworth USD 453 Board of Education voted Monday to close the Nettie Hartnett Education Center at the end of the 2024–25 school year and to move forward with listing the building for sale. During a public hearing the board opened before the vote, district staff described the building as being used temporarily for storage and said items needed by Warren teachers had already been moved. District administration recommended listing the property for sale and declined requests to permit outside uses so the building could be offered “as is.” The board heard questions from patrons about whether artwork and fixtures had been removed and whether anyone had inquired about buying the property. Administration said fixtures attached to the building remained in place and that there had been a small number of inquiries; staff will provide a list of inquirers and bring a real‑estate listing proposal to a future meeting. After the hearing, the board adopted Resolution 25‑26‑014, citing Kansas law (KSA 72‑1431), and approved the closure. The hearing record shows no formal objections or testimony that persuaded the board to change its recommendation. Board members emphasized following an open sale process so any district patron or outside party could bid. Administration said it would present a real‑estate listing plan to the board that would allow broad participation. The resolution instructs the district to close Nettie Hartnett Education Center at the end of the current school year. Board members and staff said they will bring additional materials — including a list of prior inquiries and the recommended sales process — to a subsequent Friday update and to an upcoming board packet. Next steps: administration will prepare the building for sale, provide a list of inquirers to the board, and bring a proposed listing and marketing plan for board review. No final sales contract or listing agreement was approved at Monday’s meeting.