Board reviews legal options to dispose of surplus North Everett School property; no sale decision made

Attorney McPherson briefed the board on legal methods available to dispose of the surplus North Everett School property following the board’s prior resolution declaring the site surplus. He described four options: advertise for sealed bids; use a negotiated offer followed by a public upset‑bid process (the method used in a prior 2022 disposal); an exchange of property; or other statutory disposal approaches. He advised that sealed‑bid advertisements must run at least 30 days and outlined the upset‑bid deposit and notice mechanics.

McPherson noted the county commissioners had the right of first refusal and on Nov. 13 declined to purchase the property, clearing the way for district disposal under state law. Board members asked why the district would not build on the North Everett parcel; staff and trustees said the parcel is small, has a long history of septic/perk problems and that renovating would require substantial investment. Dr. White cited a feasibility study and architect recommendations that supported constructing a new high school at a different site where athletic and college partnerships are already clustered.

McPherson recommended the board consider options and suggested returning in January to decide. He said earlier experience with the negotiated‑offer/upset‑bid approach yielded higher returns in a past sale but required more time. Board members acknowledged interest from at least two groups in the property but chose not to take formal action at the meeting.