District advances Clay Cut Building sale process on Daniel Jenkins campus; appraisal about $600,000

Polk County School District facilities staff told the board on April 22 that they are preparing the Clay Cut building on the Daniel Jenkins Academy campus for sale to an interested buyer, and that updated appraisals and legal work are under way.

Director Tim McLemore said the building sits on approximately 1.92 acres and totals roughly 29,000 square feet. Updated appraisals returned near $600,000. Staff reported they have an updated survey and legal description and have worked with county GIS to subdivide the parcel in county records; they also engaged counsel (Don Wilson) to perform title work. Title showed an issue related to right‑of‑way dedication along Leadwith Avenue between Sixth and Tenth streets that requires a quitclaim or right‑of‑way dedication; staff said they are preparing the deed language to resolve that matter.

McLemore said the city of Haines City already maintains and paved the road in question; resolving the right‑of‑way concern would clear a title exception and allow a final contract of sale to come to the board. Staff said they expect to return with a final contract for board consideration in May, pending the deed work and Department of Education surplus/district roadway approvals required for surplus property sale.

Ending: Board members asked about commission payment and staff said the buyer amended the sale contract to cover the buyer’s broker commission rather than the district; staff will return to the board in May with a final sale recommendation.