School board outlines $14 million Hungerford sale with $13 million tied to community milestones; Eatonville asks for more input

Orange County Public Schools officials on Jan. 6, 2026 reviewed a draft purchase‑and‑sale agreement with Dr. Phillips Charities for the 117‑acre Hungerford property in Eatonville that would set the purchase price at $14,000,000, with $1,000,000 paid at closing and up to $13,000,000 forgiven if the charity completes defined community projects.

General counsel John Palmerini told the board the agreement ties forgiveness to specific milestones: $5,000,000 would be forgiven after construction of a community green space and an outdoor covered pavilion of at least 4,000 square feet (construction to begin within two years and be completed within one year of commencement); $5,000,000 would be forgiven for an early learning center of no less than 3,000 square feet, permitted and occupying within three years; $2,500,000 would be forgiven if a community hub/healthcare facility is approved and built within the contract schedule; and $500,000 would be forgiven tied to identifying and donating a town hall/history museum parcel. Palmerini said the inspection period for the buyer is 180 days and closing would occur 45 days after that period; the agreement otherwise sells the…