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Committee reports bill allowing district boards to sell property after superintendent authorization
Summary
Substitute House Bill 2,551, which lets school district boards sell real property when authorized by the superintendent of public instruction under specified conditions, was reported out of committee with a due-pass recommendation after debate over local impact and selling capital assets to cover operating costs.
Substitute House Bill 2,551, which would allow school board directors in districts meeting fund-balance and other requirements to sell real property if authorized by the superintendent of public instruction subject to conditions, was reported out of the Capital Budget Committee with a due-pass recommendation.
The motion to report the bill was moved in executive session; Representative Parsley urged a yes vote but cautioned that “there needs to be a little more work once we get it out of the committee in consideration of the local jurisdictions,” recommending further coordination with cities and counties.
Representative Walsh urged a no vote, arguing that selling capital assets to cover operating costs is poor long-term financial management: “Try not to sell valuable assets in order to cover your operating costs.” Walsh said she sympathized with districts facing overhead pressures but was not confident this change best protected capital resources.
After an initial pause in action, the committee later reopened the executive session on HB 2,551, took a roll-call vote and staff announced 10 aye, 8 nay, and 1 excused. By that vote House Bill 2,551 was reported out of committee with a due-pass recommendation.
The committee noted that additional consultation with local jurisdictions and stakeholders would be appropriate as the bill moves forward.
