Board committee reviews multiple real‑estate offers and donation requests across district properties

The procurement committee also heard an extended presentation from Facilities Director Michelle Stewart on a batch of real‑estate offers and donation requests for district properties.

Stewart presented slides for a series of properties across the district, giving appraisals, offers and potential buyer uses. Highlights in the presentation included:

- Grays Creek Administration Building (approx. 43 acres): appraised at $8.3 million, highest current offer $9 million from Industrial Capital Holdings for warehouse/office use; prospective buyer asked the district to pay up to $500,000 of any remediation costs in exchange for a net offer of $8.5 million.

- Riverview (former Riverview Elementary): currently leased by Vision Prep (charter operator). Appraisal listed at $1.6 million; Vision Prep’s net offer and reported capital investments were discussed; board members and staff noted the statute requires the district to consider charter operator investments and lease payments when evaluating offers.

- Wood Dale Middle School: large campus (about 15 acres) currently operated by an ASD/charter operator; appraisal and valuation procedures discussed (state appraisal rules may require averaging district and charter appraisals) and the district’s option to include reversion clauses if a charter ceases operations.

- Denver Elementary (operated by Cornerstone Prep), Humes Middle School (former school discussed for possible donation to New Ballet Ensemble), Raines Haven land (offer from a church for park use), and other parcels. Stewart said total 10‑year maintenance costs and appraisals were provided for each site and that offers would be refined before June board action.

Committee discussion focused on policy and fairness of donations. Board members expressed support for community reuse in some cases and emphasized the need for consistent criteria for donations, including: demonstrated fundraising/maintenance plans, timelines for implementation, reversion clauses to protect district interests (so the district would regain a building if the grantee fails to redevelop or maintain it), and community benefit commitments (for example, prioritized spots for district families or program partnerships). Several members urged staff to produce a recommended set of donation criteria for board review before June so decisions are consistent and defensible.

Humes Middle provoked a lengthy exchange. New Ballet Ensemble offered $850,000 but included language asking the district to subtract remediation costs found after sale; staff recommended denial of the current offer as‑written because the remediation clause could reduce net proceeds to near zero. Many board members favored negotiating a donation or a more realistic purchase price tied to verifiable remediation estimates; they asked staff to return with options and recommended reversion or MOU provisions to ensure community access and programmatic benefit if the district accepted a donation.

On donation requests (Hamilton Elementary, Magnolia, others), staff said they are meeting with community groups to collect financing plans and evidence of maintenance capacity; Stewart told the committee that utility costs and deferred maintenance can be significant (she cited Hamilton’s utility bill estimated at $72,000 per year and historic 10‑year maintenance needs in the millions) and said the district must avoid donating a property that will revert back in worse condition. Several board members requested the district propose a clear policy and a timeline for evaluating donation requests and sell offers.

Ending: Stewart said the materials were being shared for committee discussion; no final approvals were taken in committee. Staff will return with refined negotiation positions, any required contract language including reversion clauses, and proposed donation criteria for board action in June.