Solicitor: Big Spring owns small Penn Township tract; board to consider sealed bids

The district’s solicitor reviewed historical deeds and advised the board that a narrow tract on Pine Road — listed in the assessment office under the former Penn Township School District — is controlled by Big Spring School District following past district consolidations.

The solicitor said the parcel (identified in board materials as parcel 84) appears to be roughly one-quarter acre, is currently being farmed by neighbors and likely cannot support a standalone septic and well. “It looks to be vacant, but at one point there was probably a building on it,” the solicitor said during the meeting, noting the tract’s description in neighboring deeds and recommending the district place a deed into Big Spring’s name in the county record.

Board members asked whether neighbors might claim the land through adverse possession; the solicitor explained the 21‑year adverse-possession principle for private parties and noted limitations for claims against state or municipal interests. The solicitor outlined three disposal approaches: a public auction, sealed bids, or a court‑approved sale, and recommended sealed bids as likely the most cost‑effective option.

The board agreed to make ownership public and asked administration and the solicitor to prepare paperwork so the board can select a disposal method at a future meeting and establish an advertising/notice window (members discussed 30–90 days, with several favoring 60 days). The solicitor also confirmed the district’s insurance would cover liability for property owned by Big Spring.