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Board says Von Steffens Road likely school trust land; cell‑tower lease under legal review
Summary
The district reported it likely does not own Von Steffens Road and that the land may be permanent school trust land under DNR control; lawyers are reviewing title and a long‑standing cell‑tower lease may be void if signed without authority.
Board members heard an update on the district’s efforts to determine ownership of Von Steffens Road. Administrators said title work so far suggests the parcel may be permanent school trust land and that the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources would control disposition if the district no longer uses the land.
Superintendent Perkovich told the board they do not have a deed or title showing district ownership and that county tax documents historically list the district as the contact for tax forms but do not prove ownership. “What we've learned is that it is very very likely that we do not own Von Steffens Road property. It's very very likely that it is in school trust land,” Perkovich said. If DNR ownership is confirmed, the district would not appraise or sell the property; proceeds would flow into the permanent school trust fund and be allocated by state distribution rules.
The board was also told a perpetual lease for a cell tower on the parcel may have been executed without authority; lawyers and the DNR are examining whether that lease is valid and what it means for prior compensation to the district. The district said there are questions about surface and mineral rights that complicate any sale or lease conclusion.
Administrators said they will continue title work with legal counsel and the DNR, and will update the board when ownership and lease status are confirmed.
