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Board approves sale of 100 student desks to John Glenn after debate over auction process
Summary
Trustees approved selling about 100 student desks and 10 teacher desks in storage to John Glenn (student desks at $10 each, teacher desks $50 each). Some trustees and public commenters argued the items should have gone to public auction; legal counsel said school-to-school sales are permitted and value here did not trigger auction requirements. Vote was 5–2.
A heated exchange at the July 27 meeting centered on the administration’s recommendation to sell surplus desks in storage to John Glenn school.
Matt Lawson, who answered board questions, said the sale covered about 100 student desks and 10 teacher desks that have been in storage and are unsuitable for some elementary uses. He told the board the proposed price was $10 per student desk and $50 per teacher desk. "This is just for the sale of, looks like, a 100 student desks and 10 teacher desks to John Glenn," Lawson said.
Public commenters and at least one trustee criticized the decision to pursue a direct sale instead of placing the goods on a public auction, arguing auctioning is a fairer, more transparent practice. "Why was John Glenn selected? Were any other local school corporations notified?" Paul Anastas asked during public comment. Legal counsel said state law allows school-to-school sales and that auction thresholds apply when property value exceeds statutory limits; counsel and administrators said the estimated value here did not require auctioning.
After debate, the board approved the resolution authorizing the sale by roll call, 5 yeas to 2 nays.
