Board declares Hazel Green Elementary surplus, authorizes next steps toward sale

The Salem‑Keizer Public Schools Board of Directors voted to declare the Hazel Green Elementary School property surplus, a preliminary step in the district's process for disposing of or selling the site.

Chief Operations Officer Bob Silva briefed the board on the property's history and next steps. Silva said the district purchased the site in 1953 and operated it as an elementary school until 2011. Since 2011 the facility has housed a charter operator; Valley Inquiry Charter School holds a charter agreement to operate at the Hazel Green site through 2031, Silva said. Declaring the property surplus is only one step in a multi‑stage legal and administrative process the district must follow before final disposition.

Director (recorded as) Dr. Sandeepieri moved the resolution to approve the sale authorization; Director Harnish seconded. Chair Richardson called for discussion and then took a voice vote. The board voted in favor; no members recorded a 'no' vote on the motion at the time it was made.

What this means: declaring surplus property begins a statutory and administrative sequence that may include public notice, negotiations with the charter operator and other steps required by state law and district policy. The charter's existing agreement to occupy the site through 2031 is a material factor in the disposal timeline and any prospective sale.

Votes at a glance: Motion to declare Hazel Green Elementary School property surplus and authorize steps toward sale — Outcome: approved; yes: 6; no: 0; abstain: 0; absent at time of vote: 1 (Karina Guzman Ortiz).