Board accepts $250,000 bid from Fouch Brothers for Netti Hartnett after community pleas to preserve youth services

On March 9, 2026 the Leavenworth Board of Education voted to accept a $250,000 sealed bid from Fouch Brothers LLC for the Netti Hartnett Education Center, moving the district toward a formal contract and closing.

District staff described a year‑long sealed‑bid process that included professional marketing, a dedicated website, drone photography and three public tour dates. Mr. Riley, who led the sale process, told the board five sealed bids were received — from three local churches or fellowship groups, one central Missouri developer and one Kansas City–area developer — and that Fouch Brothers’ $250,000 offer, including 5% earnest money, was the highest financial bid.

The decision followed more than an hour of public comment and testimony from community groups urging that the historic school building be reused for youth and community programming. "We have a ministry... we are excited for the opportunity to have this school," said Ruben Gonzalez of Cure Church, describing after‑school programs, counseling and outreach his group would run if they were awarded the property. Orlando Rivera, a local pastor and longtime volunteer, said "Levvenworth needs a community center full of leaders that are gathered around to give our children hope." (Quotes as spoken at the March 9 meeting.)

Steve Fouch of Fouch Brothers, the successful bidder, described his company’s plan as a historic renovation. "It's a $5 million renovation to turn it into just shy of 50 market‑rate apartments," Fouch said, and added he expected to preserve non‑apartment spaces such as the auditorium or gymnasium for community use and to work with local groups. Fouch said the company has completed similar renovations in the Kansas City area and anticipates conventional financing and closing by the end of March, subject to title and survey work.

Board members who supported the motion cited the bid’s financial strength and the company’s track record; members who spoke during public comment and prior discussion urged the district and buyer to prioritize community access. Several religious and neighborhood groups present at the meeting asked the winning bidder to partner with them on continued youth programming in the building.

Next steps, as described by district staff, include negotiating a purchase agreement, completing title/phase‑I environmental review and scheduling a buyer walk‑through with district facilities staff. The board’s motion authorized staff to proceed with formalizing the sale; the board chair announced the motion passed after a second and a voice vote.

The board meeting packet and staff presentation noted potential reuse triggers — rezoning, building permits and accessibility or fire‑safety upgrades — that prospective buyers must address with the city of Leavenworth. The district encouraged interested groups to consult city planning staff about regulatory requirements.

The board’s action does not eliminate community groups’ ability to pursue partnership opportunities with the buyer or to participate in continued conversations about use of non‑residential space in the building.

The board approved the sale at its regular meeting and will return for routine follow‑up as staff finalizes closing documents and necessary disclosures.