Seabeck school declared surplus

With the unanimous passing to declare the Seabeck Elementary School property as surplus at Wednesday’s school board meeting, board members Carl Johnson and Christy Cathcart gave their final statements to executive director of business and operations David McVicker.

“The clock has begun,” Johnson said.

“Bring us buyers,” Cathcart added.

The resolution is another step in the now 13-month process to figure out what to do with the 15-acre property where the old elementary still stands at a cost of $50,000 per year to keep it mothballed.

Now, there is a 45-day wait — according to state law — before any other action can be taken on the land.

The property, separated into three different parcels, can be sold separately or together.

There also are several options on how to sell the property, whether it’s through sealed bids or a private party offer or the use of a real estate agent.

They also can sell, rent or lease to a government entity, but according to state law, the school district must receive full value for the property.

“It is a complex decision and there are complex options that we have to deal with,” McVicker said.

There are several questions that remain unanswered, such as clearing the land of all buildings and whether the district is partly or fully responsible for the removal of the structures.

Also of note is the removal of the portable classrooms on the land. McVicker said there was an offer for the classrooms, but the buildings are not certified to be moved on a county or state road.

There also is the option for the school district to reconsider its intent. A public hearing is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 17 to further discuss the matter.

Loanna Day, a member of Neighbors For a Greater Seabeck Community Center, said it was an “exciting” step to see the property declared as surplus, but also said there’s much more work to be done.

“We will need to see how the Port of Bremerton and the county commissioners can help keep this property in public hands,” she said. “We need to look ahead and plan toward the time when we can afford a community center.

“The key now is to have the property continue to be a public place. Perhaps there is a foundation or generous county citizen who would like to help us.”

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