The South Tama County school board reviewed multiple offers on district-owned properties Monday night, including the old football field in Toledo, tennis courts and greenspace east of the old middle school, and a vacant lot in Tama.

The district received three bids from H&H Housing LLC, including $1 for an empty lot in Tama, $2,500 for the old football field property in Toledo, and $100 for tennis courts and green space near the middle school. Board members did not take action on the offers, as public hearings need to be held before a potential sale could be voted on.

Discussion of the old middle school also continued, with the board considering whether to reopen the bidding process after a potential buyer, who Superintendent John Cain shared was an in-state buyer, came forward expressing interest in redeveloping the building into apartment-style housing.

Board member Joe Hanus inquired further about the potential developer, asking, “Somebody local or are we halfway across the country again?”

“This individual is Iowa local. This individual is not pursuing a children’s home. And this individual is not pursuing a college prep school for international students. This person is pursuing apartment style living,” Cain said.

Ultimately, the board decided to reopen the listing, giving the window of April 24-May 8 for potential bids to be placed on the old middle school property.

Cain also shared the estimations for demolition of the old middle, noting “It’s not as expensive as we thought,” being under $300,000, with additional expenses anticipated keeping the total demolition project under $500,000 if that option is pursued. The asbestos abatement came back at around $150,000 additionally. Maintenance Director Steve McAdoo added that all of the prices are estimates before a bidding process that the district has not started to this point.