Center to be appraised, sold

Center Elementary School and its surrounding property is officially for sale.

The Grand Coulee Dam School District board had declared the property surplus in February, and after a public hearing to determine what to do with the property Monday night, it decided to list the building and the total 8.5 acres.

The school board also authorized Superintendent Dennis Carlson to order an appraisal of the building and property.

Only a single resident, Hank Wiebe, spoke to the board about the property. Wiebe resides next to the school, and commented that he was concerned about vandalism. There had been several vandalism incidents at the school in recent weeks.

When it was learned that the property would be on the market, Wiebe agreed that it would be good to sell the school. He noted that whatever use a new buyer might have for the property, it would be good for him.

Dr. Carlson explained that the district knew of one party that might be interested in the school property. He added that the district could sell the property for at least 90 percent of the appraised value. He said that the property might be ready to be listed by the June 22 school board meeting.