Fayette County school board votes to surplus multiple district properties; Head Start given first right of refusal

The Fayette County Public Schools Board of Education voted to declare several district-owned parcels surplus at its Feb. 9 regular meeting, a move the district says could help offset a reported budget shortfall.

Board Chairman Warner Speakman and Superintendent Dr. McPherson outlined the list of properties proposed for surplus, which included a small parcel on La Grange Road, a Midland Street building used for records storage, the Thompson Drive property previously used by Head Start, and an 18-acre site formerly occupied by Northwest Elementary School on Highway 70. Dr. McPherson said Head Start has been notified and will have first right of refusal to purchase the Thompson Drive property.

Board member Myles Wilson asked whether Head Start could continue leasing the Thompson Drive property if it could not afford to buy it; Dr. McPherson said the district would prefer a sale to help with finances but that Head Start would be given first opportunity. The board discussed listing property at fair market value and using standard legal and closing services.

Kevin Powers moved to surplus the listed parcels; Merrel Miller seconded. The minutes record the vote language as “In Favor - 6 Pass - 1” and state the motion passed. The district did not provide individual roll-call votes in the minutes.

The board did not specify a timetable for listing or sale, and said legal and closing steps would follow the surplusing process. Further details about listing price, broker selection or any planned community reuse were not specified in the minutes.