District seeks buyers for middle school

Although the sale of Gateway Middle School could be more than two years away, the district is working with a consultant to find potential buyers.

Members from The 360 Group of Pittsburgh attended the school board’s building and grounds meeting on Mondaytodiscussthe26-acreproperty at 4450 Old William Penn HighwayinMonroeville.

The board will hold a public meeting at 7 p.m. Feb. 27 in the middle school auditorium to discuss the property and get input from residents.

“Our approach is to do a thorough analytical process with potential buyers,” said Art McAuley, broker of record with The 360 Group. He added the firm wants to put “the best face on the property.”

Last month, the board also hired White Realty Advisors, LLC of Pittsburgh to appraise theproperty at a cost of $3,750.

Board member Steve O’Donnell. chair of the buildings and grounds committee, said the district and The 360 Group has been approached by three potential buyers.

The district wants to rezone the middle school property from residential to commercial, but Monroeville Council denied that request in November. The matter was back on council’s agenda this month, but the school district requested that it be tabled.

Board member Mary Beth Cirucci asked if it would be better to rezone the property now or have the rezoning be the buyer’s responsibility.

“We think it’s in your best interest to have it zoned commercially because there will be more opportunities to potential buyers,” Mr. McAuley said.

“If they (potential buyers) have to get it rezoned, they’re going to offer less money,” said school board solicitor Bruce Dice. He said the property will be “worth a lot more” once it is surveyed, a title search is done and it’s rezoned.

Mr. McAuley said said once the school is closed it could take about a year to sell the property.

Board member Rick McIntyre, who was not on the board last year when it hired The 360 Group by a 5-4 vote, said he was concerned that the board didn’t go out to bid beforean agent was hired.

“If we’re not looking at every possible option, were not properly representing the taxpayer,” Mr. McIntyre said.

Robert Elms, a former board member and the lone resident at the meeting, said he was concerned about the middle school students if it closes.

“That’s the one thing you haven’t discussed,” he said.

Gateway superintendent Bill Short said “we are two years away,” from any major changes.

“Everyone is very much aware of what goes into closing a building,” Mr. Short said. “When you reorganize a school district, it’s the children that come first and foremost.”