Hudson board approves sale of Holton Elementary to River Valley Fellowship for $2.65 million with 10‑year deed restriction

The Hudson School Board voted to accept an offer from River Valley Fellowship of Ministries to purchase Holton Elementary for $2,650,000, with a proposed 10‑year deed restriction limiting accredited K–12 use of the facility, and other customary contingencies (well/septic review). The motion, made by board member Molly and seconded by Kate, also authorized the board president to work with attorneys to clarify the accreditation language before closing.

Administration said a second offer — a $1,000,000 bid from a local individual interested in daycare use — also arrived but that the higher offer best serves taxpayers. Brian, the district’s real‑estate representative, said River Valley is time‑sensitive (they must relocate because of a right‑of‑way project) and that the group has expressed community‑use intentions. The purchaser proposed a June 15 closing and agreed the district could occupy the facility through June 30 for transition; the district will donate a historic bell to the town of Saint Joseph as part of the agreement.

The board approved the motion on a roll call vote. The clerk read the closed‑session notice and roll call immediately after; recorded ayes were: Dahl Garza, Gerlach, Powers, Rozowski, Rudy and Baumann.

Notes: board members and counsel will finalize the deed restriction language (attorneys on both sides will complete the final language to ensure it prevents an accredited K–12 school but allows religious/outreach activities). No buyer financing contingencies were reported beyond standard due diligence items; the purchaser offered limited performance guarantees and a 90‑day exit if needed.