School board authorizes due diligence on property near Avon Elementary after divided vote

The Highlands County School Board voted on May 20 to enter a purchase agreement and authorize the superintendent to carry out due diligence on real estate located near Avon Elementary School, a step short of approving a final purchase.

Board attorney Mrs. Nash told the board the vote under consideration would allow staff to perform appraisal, survey and other due-diligence activities during the contract's 38-day due-diligence period and return to the board with the results before any closing. "The due diligence period that's in the contract is for a period of 38 days," Nash said.

Mrs. Howerton moved to approve the agreement; Dr. Durrance seconded. At the roll call, Mrs. Howerton, Dr. Durrance and Mr. Martin voted yes. Mr. Whitten recorded a no vote. The chair also voted yes, and the motion carried.

Board members debated the proposal before the vote. Mr. Whitten said he planned to vote no because of budget concerns and urged the board to consider alternatives to spending at a time of fiscal constraint. Dr. Durrance and other members said the property has been used informally for years as parent parking and that losing the site could constrain access for parents and for events at the school.

Administrators described the parcel as three lots, one of which includes a house; two are vacant lots the district has historically used for parking. Nash said the seller listed the parcels and would not sell lots separately; the purchase price is tied to market valuation and an independent appraisal may give the board leverage to renegotiate.

Mr. Erwin, director of secondary programs and a former Avon Park principal, advised board members to consider topography and accessibility for parents and people with disabilities, saying the walk up from the district's nearby Ed Field includes a steep hill.

Nut graf: The board's action approves only due diligence, not the expenditure; staff will return with appraisal, survey and legal review for the board to decide whether to close.

The superintendent's office said closing costs, appraisal and survey fees would be borne by the district if it proceeded; the seller would not pay the district's appraisal costs. The contract permits the district to terminate if the appraisal is below the contract price and the seller refuses to renegotiate.

Ending: The board chair emphasized that the vote was not a final purchase approval. The district will bring the due diligence results back to the board at its June meeting for a final decision.