School board approves realtor listings after heated debate over Old Slade housing proposal

The Albany County School District #1 board on Nov. 10 approved contracts to list multiple district properties with Real Estate 1 after extended public comment and a protracted trustee debate over the future of Old Slade Elementary.

Board Chair Baer opened the property segment by noting legal counsel had recommended a resolution aligning the district with state statutes before any sale. Trustees then considered individual listing contracts drafted from an earlier district RFP process and presented by JT Walsh of Real Estate 1.

Why it matters: Public speakers and several trustees said the Old Slade site presents an immediate community opportunity to provide deed-restricted workforce housing for district employees and other essential workers — a step they argue would help retain teachers and staff and stabilize enrollment. Other trustees warned the district has pressing facility needs and could use higher sale proceeds to fund projects such as a bus/transit hub, renovations of Bridal Elementary and other maintenance priorities.

What the board decided: Trustee Janice Marshall moved to approve a listing contract between the district and JT Walsh (Real Estate 1) to market Old Slade Elementary (1212 Baker St.); the motion passed on a roll-call vote the clerk recorded as "6 ayes, 3 no's." The transcript records 'no' votes by Sofia Gomalski, Nate Martin and Carrie Murphy; the board did not accept any offer that night. The board also approved listing contracts for 16.26 acres at North 15th Street, the Special Services building at 509 S. 9th Street (one-year listing term), and the central office at 1948 Grand Ave.

Trustees’ positions: Supporters of approving the realtor contracts said (a) the district issued an RFP earlier that named these properties and rescinding part of that RFP would damage credibility, (b) a professional realtor expands market exposure (MLS) and handles title/closing logistics the district staff are not set up to run, and (c) listing does not compel the board to accept any single offer. Trustees opposing the listing for Old Slade urged prioritizing the city-led workforce housing option and cautioned that foregone proceeds could fund capital projects.

Public comment: Several community residents and local housing advocates urged sale to the city for a 34-unit deed-restricted workforce housing project targeted at district employees and essential workers. Fred Schmeichel (Albany County Housing Coalition interim chair) presented tax-per-acre math and urged a longer-term investment over a short-term cash sale.

Next steps and caveats: Listing a property places it on the market and invites offers but does not obligate acceptance. Trustees and the realtor discussed using time-limited offer-collection windows, rent-back terms, extended closings and other contract terms to protect district operations during transition. The board rejected a specific early offer on the central office (1948 Grand Ave) that had a quick deadline so the district could wait for multiple competitive offers.

The board said it would continue public communication and may set public forums or special meetings to gather community input on disposal strategy before accepting any final offer.