Othello School District land purchase moves ahead
Cheryl Schweizer/Columbia Basin Herald Othello assistant superintendent Gina Bullis details the next steps in a proposed land purchase at the Othello School Board meeting Monday.
OTHELLO — The Othello School Board is scheduled to review a draft purchase and sale agreement for 78 acres of property along Lee Road at its Oct. 10 meeting.
Assistant Superintendent Gina Bullis updated board members on the proposed purchase at the regular board meeting Monday. Bullis said district officials have received both the draft agreement and the appraisal on the land, which is located along Lee Road between Seventh and 14th streets.
Bullis said the draft is still being discussed between district officials and the district’s attorney. She anticipated the agreement would be ready for the board's review on Oct. 10. The purchase also includes a feasibility study, “to deal with soil conditions, zoning, all the different things that are protective for the district in moving forward.” The study must be completed within 90 days.
Bullis said the goal is to finish the transaction by Jan. 31.
Currently the land is owned by Terragold Farms. Bullis said there are no plans to build on the property now, but district officials plan to keep it as a site for any additional school construction. Currently the district has four elementary schools, McFarland Middle School, Othello High School and Desert Oasis High School, the district's alternative school.
Cheryl Schweizer can be reached via email at education@columbiabasinherald.com.