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Highlands school board declares teacherage, Oak Lane lot surplus and authorizes public sale
Summary
The board declared the teacherage at 501 Lehi Ave. and Lot 19 of Oak Lane surplus, approved an invitation to bid for both properties, and heard public pleas from the Boys & Girls Club to steward the teacherage as a teen center; board members said proceeds will go to capital/reserves per state guidance.
The Highlands County School Board on Aug. 18 voted to declare two district properties surplus — the teacherage at 501 Lehi Avenue and Lot 19 of Oak Lane Subdivision — and approved an invitation to bid (ITB2526‑01) to offer them for public sale.
Board members framed the move as a difficult but necessary step to generate funds for district priorities. “We have to be extremely, diligent and wise about the dollars we do have,” the chair said during discussion before the vote. Staff said a minimum bid for the teacherage property was set at $271,000 and that estimated repairs could exceed $250,000 to bring the building up to code.
Janice Rearick, representing Boys and Girls Club of Highlands County, urged the board to consider the teacherage as a neighborhood teen center rather than a sale. “The teacherage could be that incubator, that clubhouse … a place where they are able to meet,” Rearick told the board, outlining the club’s programming and existing partnerships with state agencies and the city of Sebring.
Board members asked clarifying questions about lease versus sale options and the financial burden of maintaining an older HVAC system. Staff referred to the State Requirements for Educational Facilities (SREF) guidance — specifically the disposal provisions — and noted that proceeds from the sale may be restricted to capital outlay if the original funding source for the property was a grant or donation. Business operations staff said the district would deposit sale proceeds into reserves or the appropriate capital fund and bring allocation recommendations to the board.
The board approved Resolution 2526‑03 (teacherage) and Resolution 2526‑04 (Lot 19, Oak Lane) and then authorized issuance of ITB2526‑01 to solicit bids for both properties, with plans to advertise on the district website and in local print and online outlets. Board members reiterated support for the Boys and Girls Club’s mission but said the public‑sale process must follow state rules and produce best value for district taxpayers.
The board voted on the motions by roll call; each motion carried. Next steps: the district will publish the ITB, accept bids under the advertised terms and return to the board with any responses and recommendations.
