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School board approves $75,000 purchase of 0.547-acre parcel after debate over cemetery, safety and signage
Summary
After extended public and board discussion about possible graves, soil and safety, the Franklin County school board voted 4–3 on July 13 to purchase a 0.547-acre lot at Wildcat Lane and State Route 101 for $75,000; supporters cited safety and marketing, opponents urged more due diligence.
The Franklin County Community School Corporation board approved the purchase of a 0.547-acre parcel at Wildcat Lane and State Route 101 for $75,000 on a 4–3 roll-call vote at its July 13 meeting after more than an hour of discussion.
Proponents, including the motion maker, said buying the corner would secure a high-visibility location the district could use to improve traffic safety, control future land use near school entrances, and provide a place for a sign to advertise the district and its facilities. A facilities-committee member described the site as a strategic spot with traffic counts substantially higher than other nearby intersections and said an electronic sign (cited in discussion at roughly $58,000 for one quote) could be financed or sponsored.
Opponents raised multiple concerns: resident and board members questioned whether parts of an old cemetery or historic graves might be nearby, whether sinkholes or soil and water issues had been fully investigated, and whether the $75,000 purchase would lead to additional, nontrivial costs such as driveway access, electrical service for a sign, and ongoing maintenance. One board member asked for additional due diligence and a full disclosure of environmental and zoning questions before final purchase.
The motion to approve the contract was made and seconded; roll-call votes read by the presiding officer recorded four yes votes and three no votes. The board’s recorded vote: Kevin Kaiser — yes; Brandy Wilson — yes; Kim Simonson — no; Greg Burris — no; Beth Foster — no; Katie Holman — yes; Jessica Brennan — yes. The motion passed 4–3.
What it means: The purchase locks the district into control of that corner and removes the possibility of a private development that could affect school access or visibility. Board members supporting the purchase framed it as a modest investment in safety and marketing that could protect long-term campus access; opponents said the district should fully vet historical, environmental and cost questions before committing public funds.
Next steps: Administration said it will follow standard closing requirements (averaging two appraisals per statute) and work with legal counsel on closing steps; no additional binding commitments for signage or other capital work were authorized as part of the purchase vote.
