Administration authorized to pursue private sale of Samuel Morris property; realtor may begin outreach

Board members told administration it may allow a local realtor to market the district's Samuel Morris property at no charge while the district completes the legal steps needed for a private sale.

Director Casey told the committee he received an email from realtor Pat Rogan offering to market the property without charging the district. "If he sells the property, he wouldn't get any commission from the school district," Casey said in explaining Rogan's proposal.

Solicitor Joyce Carmi told the committee two legal paths exist: sealed bidding or a petition to the court to confirm a private sale. "We wouldn't need a motion to hire the realtor if he's gonna work for free, but we do need a motion to authorize the private sale of it," Carmi said. She recommended marketing the property and, if an acceptable offer is received, petitioning the court to confirm the private sale.

Nut graf: The committee asked the administration to let the realtor begin active outreach immediately and placed a motion to authorize a private sale on the recess agenda so the board can formally authorize a court petition if marketing yields an acceptable offer.

Board members agreed the administration could let Rogan begin contacting potential buyers while legal staff prepares the required vote and court petition paperwork. Director Casey and others emphasized there is no financial obligation to the district because Rogan offered to work without a commission.

The committee asked the administration (Pat Laffey and the solicitor's office) for a status update by the end of the week on legal steps and marketing activity.

Ending: The committee will include a motion to authorize a private sale on its recess agenda; if marketing produces an acceptable offer, the administration will ask the court to confirm the sale.