Marblehead — The School Committee voted 5–0 on Jan. 9 to declare the Coffin School property surplus and to transfer custody, care and control of the building and grounds to the Select Board, saying the site is no longer needed for school purposes.

The motion read, in part, to transfer the care, custody, management and control of the common state building and grounds to the Select Board "being it is no longer needed for school purposes." The motion was moved and seconded and carried with committee roll call votes recorded in open session.

Committee members who spoke during the discussion emphasized community concerns about losing the only available parcel on the north side of town and clarified common misunderstandings about proceeds: the committee noted that selling the property would not automatically provide operating dollars to the schools and that town meeting and state processes determine final disposition and any use of sale proceeds.

The committee recorded votes individually: Al Williams, Brian Oates, Sarah Fox, Allison Taylor and Jen Sherritt each voted in favor; the meeting minutes show a final result of 5–0.

After the vote committee members said select board recommendations and a town‑meeting decision would determine the property’s final use and any subsequent financial outcomes for the town.