Study session:
Chief Operations Officer Sam Bell updated the board on surplus properties that include:
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14.96 acres at Cirque Drive W. and Alameda Ave. W
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8.5 acres, Mullen property in SW Tacoma—sold for $1.58 million
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31.47 acres, Blueberry Park in SE Tacoma
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100’ x100’ Edison parking lot, S. 58th Street and South Cedar Street
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Lower Gray Middle School, leased to Boys and Girls Club and Metro Parks (SERA Field), in “exchange” for Harmon Park for Baker Middle School—in escrow
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20 acres Camp Joshua Taylor, 19607 Bay Road, Key Peninsula
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1.86 acres, Willard, 3201 S. D St.
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10.6 acres, Gault Middle School, 1115 E. Division Lane, Metro Parks pool on site
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10.77 acres (includes Edison), Old Gray Middle School, 3109 South 60th St., in SW Tacoma
The board favored retaining Gault Middle School as a possible swing school in the future. The old Gray Middle School is not in as good condition as Gault and is costly to maintain as an empty building. After giving public organizations an opportunity to make offers for the building, the board may decide to raze the former school.
Bell noted that the city of University Place is interested in the property at Cirque and Alameda, but had no funds to purchase the land. Key Peninsula Parks Department has shown interest in the Camp Joshua Taylor property on Key Peninsula, but also had no funds to purchase it at this time. Both organizations are seeking grants for possible purchase of the properties.
Board meeting of March 11
The board:
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Approved the 2009-2010 interdistrict agreement for educational services to students with severe disabilities from Orting School District.
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Authorized the superintendent to enter into a lease agreement between 717 Investors LLC regarding real property consisting of 10 parking spaces located at 725 Tacoma S., for a term of five years commencing on April 1, 2010, and terminating on March 31, 2015, for an amount of $400 per month.
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Proclaimed March 15–21 as School Retirees Appreciation Week.
The next school board meeting will be held Thursday, March 25, at 6 p.m. in the fourth-floor auditorium at the Central Administration Building, 601 S. Eighth St. A study session on the 2010-2013 technology plan will begin at 5 p.m. prior to the regular board meeting. A public hearing on the transfer of bond funds for replacing and equipping a new elementary school on the Geiger Elementary School site will follow at 5:45 p.m.