The Orange County School Board voted on Jan. 13 to approve a purchase-and-sale agreement with Doctor Phillips Charities for more than 100 acres of surplus district land in Eatonville, following hours of public comment and board debate.

Supporters, including Member Vanos, told the board the deal offers a financially viable plan that incorporates elements from local workshops and promises educational and community benefits. “This is a win win,” Vanos said during the discussion, urging the board to move forward to protect the property from other uses. Several speakers from Eatonville and surrounding neighborhoods urged the board instead to transfer the land directly to the town, saying residents should retain greater control over the site. Taras Mack, who identified himself as Eatonville’s mayor, asked the board to “give us the land” and pressed for more local ownership in the project.

General counsel summarized the legal framework the board used to act, citing the district’s obligation to declare property surplus and to secure public benefit under state statute. Counsel explained the purchase price structure: the contract lists a $14,000,000 price with $1,000,000 due at signing and portions of the remaining $13,000,000 potentially forgiven if the developer meets agreed milestones, such as construction of an early-learning center, a community hub and health facilities that the district says will directly benefit students.

The agreement also includes provisions for donation of land for a new town hall and a museum to which district students would receive free access; proponents argued these features provide educational benefits that justify the structure of the deal. Opponents, including residents and town officials, raised concerns about process transparency, whether local contractors and workers would be prioritized and whether the arrangement would produce sufficient tax base for Eatonville.

After discussion the board approved the consent agenda that included the purchase-and-sale agreement. Chair Jacobs asked for continued collaboration among the town, the charity and residents as the development and implementation process continues.

The board’s approval sets in motion detailed planning, contract compliance checks and future public input during zoning and implementation phases. The board indicated there will be continuing oversight to ensure that milestones and community commitments in the agreement are met.