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Board, towns weigh options for closed school sites; deed restrictions and town first‑right highlighted
Summary
Board members and town officials discussed disposition of recently closed schools (Memorial, Brewster, Lyman), noting deed restrictions, a six‑month first‑right window for Durham to purchase at $150, and plans to form a small committee and consult the attorney generals office on lifting restrictions.
Regional School District 13 officials and town representatives spent a substantial portion of the meeting reviewing options for disposing of closed school buildings, including Memorial, Brewster and Lyman.
A board member summarized public documents and deeds, explaining that if a facility is officially closed to any educational use, the recorded agreements give the town of Durham a first right to purchase the property for $150 and roughly six months to decide. The summary noted that some deed restrictions can be lifted — typically after consultation with the attorney generals office — which could expand possible public uses or sales.
Why it matters: the district faces multiple disposition decisions in the near term as students are relocated and buildings are taken out of active service. Board and town leaders said early coordination will reduce delays and help communities plan for potential reuse, municipal acquisition, or sale. Participants emphasized the need for legal review of each deed and suggested a small working committee of town and board representatives to prepare options.
Board members reported receiving letters of interest but said those were expressions of interest rather than formal offers. Officials discussed possible paths: towns could opt to take possession, the district could retain ownership and lease, or towns could decline and allow the district to pursue other uses under deed terms. A participant suggested a late‑January all‑boards meeting to brief commissions and begin coordinated planning.
Next steps: form a small intermunicipal committee to collect deeds, identify legal constraints and options, consult the attorney general as needed, and prepare a timeline for decision‑making ahead of the expected 2027 transition of students out of the closed buildings.
