Board approves Century 21‑affiliated realtor to market district properties after split vote, 4‑3

The Beloit School District Board of Education voted 4‑3 on April 1 to approve a Century 21‑affiliated firm as the district’s listing agent to market selected district properties.

The full board motion — made by Megan Miller and seconded by Brian Nichols — named three properties in the motion: the sale of the McNeil Building (1524 Frederick Street), the sale of the Wright Building (1033 Woodward Avenue) and the leasing of the Operations Building (1430 Fourth Street). The roll call vote was: Megan Miller, Aye; Tom Hankins, Nay; Brian Anderson, Aye; Brian Nichols, Aye; Amy Levy, Nay; Greg Schneider, Aye; Tia Johnson, Nay. The motion carried 4–3.

The Business Operations and Finance Committee had met earlier and unanimously recommended Century 21 affiliated after the district reopened an RFP. Committee members said REMAX missed the submission deadline by 36 minutes and was therefore not included under the committee’s evaluation rubric. Committee discussion referenced two other respondents, including a local auction firm (Boyd Auction Service), and noted Century 21’s commercial real estate experience.

Board members raised several questions during the full board discussion before the vote. Amy Levy pressed for clarity about marketing costs and whether Century 21’s proposal included a separate marketing budget or whether marketing would be recovered from the commission; administration said the RFP responses did not clearly list a marketing budget for Century 21 and that staff would follow up to clarify whether marketing costs would be additional or absorbed within the proposed commission structure.

Levy also asked for clarification about commission language and how lease commissions would be calculated; Century 21’s RFP stated a 3% commission on sales and language that the firm’s lease commission would be 3% of the “full amount of the executed lease,” but the duration used to calculate that full amount was not specified in the RFP and was raised as a question at the meeting.

Other trustees urged the administration to use local development contacts and to coordinate with the City of Beloit when marketing properties; Tom Hankins recommended tapping city staff and developers. Board and staff members also noted the district’s prior dealings with Boyd Auction Service for past property and surplus sales.

Administration and a facilities staff member who coordinated walk‑throughs said they assisted realtors in viewing properties during the RFP period. The board directed staff to finalize contract terms with Century 21, including written clarification on marketing responsibilities, commission timing and any deed restrictions or use limitations the district wants included in sale or lease documents.

Action details: the board’s motion authorizes Century 21‑affiliated brokerage to act as listing agent for the named properties; administration will return with a formal contract that clarifies fees, marketing scope and commission timing.