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Board authorizes negotiations with Habitat for Humanity to develop district property at 1227 Bell Avenue
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Summary
After hearing testimony from applicants and residents, the Sheboygan Area School District board voted to authorize administration to negotiate a purchase agreement with Habitat for Humanity for the district-owned parcel at 1227 Bell Avenue; administration will return to the board for final contract approval.
The Sheboygan Area School District board on a voice vote authorized administration to pursue a contract with Habitat for Humanity for the sale and development of district-owned property at 1227 Bell Avenue.
The move followed more than an hour of public input and board discussion about three proposals the district solicited through an RFP process. Board members described weighing purchase price against community benefits, including affordable homeownership and opportunities for student involvement.
"I'm leaning towards the Habitat proposal," said Leah (board member), noting that Habitat's focus on affordable homeownership aligns with district goals around stability and student outcomes. Several board members cited testimony from local families and community partners who described housing as foundational to attendance and student success.
Mark (district staff), who summarized the proposals, said the initial offers varied: Flawless Hoops had proposed $100,000 (and indicated flexibility), Gorman Company submitted a $500,000 purchase offer tied to financing contingencies, and Habitat's initial proposal listed a $20,000 purchase price with a potential $10,000 payment per lot across as many as 21 lots (potential additional value if all lots were used).
Board members emphasized that proceeds from any sale would be one-time funds and would not solve the district's recurring operating deficit. "No — it's one-time money versus annual balance," Dr. Conrad (superintendent) said when asked whether the sale would offset next year’s operating shortfall.
After discussion, a motion was offered to authorize administration to pursue negotiations with Habitat for Humanity; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote. The board instructed administration to involve attorneys and negotiate terms with the selected organization and return a purchase agreement to the board for final approval.
The decision does not finalize a sale. Administration will work with Habitat for Humanity on a purchase agreement and present a formal contract for board action at a future meeting.
