Board hears proposal to sell 6.69 acres near Turner Middle School to town for arboretum

The Thompson School District presented a resolution for discussion that would authorize sale of a 6.69‑acre parcel adjacent to Turner Middle School to the town for use as an arboretum and interpretive nature area.

Todd, assistant superintendent for operations, told the board the parcel is underused, carries deed restrictions that limit future private development, and is maintenance‑intensive for the district. He said the town and district obtained separate appraisals and proposed a sale price of $100,300. "This is really a dead piece of land between the two properties," Todd said, describing the parcel as costly for mowing, weed control and other upkeep that the district undertakes despite the school not using the land for expansion.

Board members asked detailed questions about zoning, service access and protections if the town later sells or changes the property. One board member asked for a reverter clause or first right of refusal so the district would have priority or recapture value if the town did not develop the parcel as an arboretum. Todd said deed restrictions and other title issues make redevelopment unlikely and indicated the district could include contractual language such as a first‑refusal or reverter provision where feasible.

Board members also sought clarification about irrigation and utility connections; staff said a small joint irrigation line runs through the parcel and that responsibility would shift to the town if the sale proceeds. Todd and the district said they will provide a formal contract and recommend approval at a future meeting once the board’s questions — including reverter language and maintenance implications — are addressed.

No final vote was taken; staff said the board will return to the matter for action at a subsequent meeting after legal and title work and recommended contract language are finalized.