---

Much to the dismay of many people, the Board of Education for Northland Community Schools closed the Longville Elementary School. For many years leading up to the closing, the fate of students who attended the school was discussed. We now know, the closure led to a scattering of elementary students, some within the district and many into other districts. Now comes the question, what becomes of the school building and property?

The Board will retain parcel #91-337-7901, site of the bus garage. It will dispose of, by transfer or sale, the following three parcels of land and is seeking requests for proposals on same.

1. The first parcel, #91-337-7401, is the location of the former family center building and the community skating rink.

2. The second parcel, #91-337-7400, is the piece of property where the Lions Pavilion is located.

3. The largest of the three parcels, #91-337-7200, contains the school building, front parking lot, basketball, volleyball and tennis courts, community playground and fenced baseball field.[[In-content Ad]]

Together, the three parcels have a taxable value of close to $2.5 million. As the current title holder of the property, there are no property taxes collected as schools are exempt..

Also, the Northland Community Schools Board of Education is seeking use proposals for the Longville School property. Proposals are to include purchase price and intended use for each parcel. The request for proposals asks the intended purchaser to also include information pertaining to the entities that will be involved in the use; a description of public benefit for its intended use; proposed budget, including funding sources, anticipated expenses, and staffing; and a time frame for the property's intended use.

A Joint Powers Board, between the City of Longville and Kego Township, have been in discussions with the school board, in hopes to obtain the property for a "nominal" fee. There is also a private party who has expressed interest in purchasing and using the better part of the largest parcel for commercial purpose development. With a slight realignment of property lines, both the Joint Powers Board and the commercial development interests could benefit from the property. The school district would be able to use the proceeds from the property sale towards the district's debt service fund. Some have speculated the proceeds would be used to help with the district's budget woes. The reality is, money the district receives from the sale of an asset must go towards paying debts, not fixing budgets.

If any part of, or all of the property was to be sold to the private sector, the taxpayers in the City of Longville would benefit from any portion of the property that would be sold for commercial development by adding that property value to the city's tax base.

Clearly, many did not want the school to close. It has closed, and the fact is it will not re-open, and the property is up for grabs. Will the property go to the party or entity with the largest proposal? Will it go to one party or entity? Will it be split for public and private use? The Longville School building and property is shaping up to what could become a win, lose or draw situation. It is up to the taxpayers in the district and community to voice their opinion to members of the school board. The buildings and grounds committee will meet April 19 and deliver recommendations to the full board at the April 21 meeting, when they are expected to approve or refuse any or all proposals.

---