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Board discusses options for Neddy Hartnett Education Center; directs staff to study sale and development options
Summary
Trustees reviewed four broad options for the vacant Neddy Hartnett building, agreed demolition is off the table for now, and asked staff to pursue further research and a study session on parceling, sale or partnered redevelopment; state legislation creating a 45-day window for agency seizure was noted.
Leavenworth USD 453 trustees discussed potential futures for the Neddy Hartnett Education Center during the March 10 meeting and directed district staff to research next steps including sale and partnered redevelopment options.
District counsel/staff explained recent 2024 state legislation creates a 45-day window that could allow the state to intercede in certain school-closure property dispositions. "This comes after the 2024 legislative session and effectively creates a stop gap whereby the state of Kansas can specifically have a 45 day window," a district staff member told trustees, noting the new statutory context affects disposal timing and options.
Staff outlined four options: (1) maintain district ownership but not occupy the building, (2) sell the property (including potential parceling of part of the site), (3) pursue redevelopment or partnership that keeps ownership local but requires substantial investment, and (4) raze the building. Trustees quickly ruled out demolition for cost and political reasons and expressed interest in actively exploring a sale and, where feasible, parceling or a partnered redevelopment that could yield programmatic returns to the district.
Trustees agreed to keep a short-term "do nothing/maintain ownership" option on the table while staff undertakes follow-up work. The board asked staff to consult city planning and zoning on parceling feasibility, identify potential partners or investors for redevelopment, and return with options and scheduling availability for a dedicated study session in late March or early April.
No binding decision to sell or redevelop was made at the meeting; the board framed the item as discussion only and requested additional research before any action.
