After almost 30 years, Revere finds buyer for ‘Wetlands’ property

by Sheldon Ocker

Oct. 18 school board meeting

The Revere School District has been saddled with acreage across the street from the high school since the property was purchased in June of 1995.

Unsuccessful attempts have been made to sell the land on Everett Road, including a futile effort earlier this year to hold an auction for the property, which is required by law before it can be sold in a private sale.

West Creek Conservancy recently offered $450,000 for the property, and the school board ratified the sale. West Creek plans to preserve the land in its natural state.

“We call it the ‘Wetlands,” said board President Keith Malick. “I think the intention was to perhaps build a school at the time but come to learn the property is wetlands and would not be suitable for a building for the school district.’’ 

Diana Sabitsch, the only current board member who sat on the board when the acreage was acquired, confirmed that the land was to be the site of a new school building.

“An appraisal by a local firm came in at $600,000,’’ Malick said. “West Creek is applying for grants through Clean Ohio. Part of that funding requires a 25% match. If you do the math, the appraisal at $600,000 with a 25% match, which is $150,000, puts us at a purchase price of $450,000.’’

Malick said it would take about six months for West Creek to find grant money. And although he said West Creek was optimistic about putting together funding, it was not a sure thing, and the deal could fall through.

Security measure

After a second reading, the board unanimously approved a resolution to store a firearm in one or more district buildings. Only the school resource officer would have access to the firearm(s).

“I’m still in support of the resolution,’’ said Superintendent Michael Tefs. “It comes from our first responders.’’

Donations

Among the three donations received by the board was $10,000 from Pilot Company to the Revere Local Schools video production program.

A question from board member Claudia Hower prompted Director of Technology John Schinker to explain, “It’s actually for board meetings,’’ he said. “When we started videoing board meetings, we started off with an iPad, then we switched to using a web cam and added audio stuff. … Hopefully getting some better equipment will make the board meetings more watchable, and help my sanity a little bit.’’

Unedited video of school board work sessions and meetings can be seen on YouTube.

Revere High golf coach David Archer donated his salary, $4,487, to the golf team to purchase a golf simulator that can be used by boys and girls golf teams.

Revere Middle School PTA contributed a Blackstone classic griddle, valued at $399, to the middle school.

Special needs kids

Several members of the Special Education Visioning Committee made a presentation about the group’s plans to solidify programs for special needs students.

Three parentsaddressed the board about what they feel are shortcomings in the district’s efforts to meet the requirements of special needs students. ∞

Featured Photo: The Revere Local School District is negotiating selling 38 acres of land on the north side of Everett Road, across from Revere High School and west of St. Victor Church to the West Creek Conservancy for $450,000.