School board authorizes negotiations to buy Etheridge daycare building; purchase not yet approved

The Lawrence County School Board voted June 26 to enter negotiations with the owner of the Ed Etheridge daycare property, which the agenda listed at a purchase price of $850,000. The board specifically authorized negotiation only; any final purchase would require a separate special-session vote.

Mister Atkins, director, told the board the funds proposed for the acquisition would come from previously authorized bond proceeds or set-aside bond funds and that the district had earlier pursued land adjacent to the Kaufman site but that tract is not available. The Etheridge property became available in the last few weeks, administration said.

Board Member Watson moved that the district enter negotiations with the property owner with the understanding that a special session would be called for any final purchase approval; a second was recorded and the motion passed 7–1. Board members emphasized they expected a full assessment of the building before final purchase, including a condition survey and estimated renovation costs.

During discussion administration estimated retrofit costs could be significant; a rough figure discussed in the meeting for initial improvements was about $200,000 but staff cautioned the figure was preliminary. The larger building on the site was discussed as roughly 7,000 square feet and the board noted the property’s proximity to existing district facilities could help with zoning/boundary flexibility in the future.

Ending: Administration will negotiate terms with the property owner, perform assessments and bring a proposed purchase contract and renovation estimate to a special board session for final action.