Policy 7340 – Site Selection and Acquisition

The Superintendent of Schools shall make recommendations to the School Board concerning future school building sites. Sites shall be selected for future construction based on accessibility, environment, suitability for school program, availability of utilities, suitability for construction, diverse student demographics and attractiveness. Such sites shall be submitted to various planning commissions for approval.

The Board shall purchase or take options on possible school sites based on the long-range facilities plans of the District. In accordance with state law, the School Board shall use the power of condemnation, if necessary, in the best interests of the District.

The Superintendent of Schools or designee shall provide the School Board with a summary of existing school district vacant properties and a review of available properties periodically as directed by the School Board.


LEGAL REF.:

  • Wisconsin Statutes
    • Sections 120.10(5)      [Annual meeting power; designate sites for district buildings]
    • 120.10(5m)   [Annual meeting power; authorize board to acquire, purchase or condemn real estate/facilities necessary for school district purposes]
    • 120.13(18)    [Board power; acquisition of property for ecological, agricultural or vocational instruction]
    • 120.13(20)   [Board power; options to purchase real property]

CROSS REF.:

  • Policy 7200, Facilities Planning
  • Policy 7220, Facilities Capitalization

ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS: None

AFFIRMED:    June 10, 1991

REVISED:

  • September 11, 2001
  • September 25, 2007
  • December 17, 2013

Rule Policy 7340 – Site Selection and Acquisition

  1. Site Selection
    1. The need and general location of school sites shall be evaluated and recommended by the Superintendent of Schools or designee.
      1. School sites shall conform to applicable state and federal guidelines.
      2. Soil conditions, including soil test borings where necessary, shall be considered in site selection. Any necessary environmental assessments shall also be considered.
      3. The selection of a school site may be subject to a complete topographical survey of the property by a licensed surveyor.
      4. Before final selection by the School Board, the City of Kenosha, Village of Pleasant Prairie, or Town of Somers planning staff should be consulted with respect to use of the property for institutional purposes and consideration of state law and local ordinances.
    2. Prior to proceeding with site acquisition, the District shall present to the electorate at an annual or special meeting for approval of purchase.
  2. Site Acquisition
    1. Legal documents for the option or purchase of a site shall be prepared for the District by an attorney as requested by the Superintendent of Schools or designee. Following examination of the abstract of title or other title evidence, the attorney shall prepare a written opinion of the site.
    2. The procedure and extent of negotiations and purchase of a site shall be directed by the School Board through the Superintendent of Schools or designee.
    3. Formal contracts shall exist in the acquisition of sites.