Board Also Considering Lower-Priced Offer for 33 Acres of Land South of Campus
WOODLAWN — The Woodlawn School Board formally declared a vacancy during its regular monthly meeting last Thursday following the passing of longtime board member David Stover, who served the district for 26 years.
Meanwhile, the board also decided to possibly buy 33 acres of land across Smith Road south of the campus for $165,000 based on some contingencies.
Board members took time to mourn the loss of Stover, with Board President Larry Reynolds noting his remarkable tenure and dedication. “We’re missing a very important member,” Reynolds said. “I know y’all all grieve for him and pray for his family. It’s been a long time since he’s sat around here.”
Following district policy, the board outlined the official process to fill the vacancy, which must be completed within 90 days. The district will publicize the vacancy on its website and through the Cleveland County Herald for at least 30 days prior to the appointment date, which will be made during the next regular meeting on Oct. 12.
Interested candidates residing in the district must complete an application and collect signatures from a minimum of 20 registered voters within the district. Petitions must be submitted to the Cleveland County Clerk’s Office for voter verification by Oct. 2, which is at least 10 days prior to the appointment.
Verified candidates will be invited to speak for up to five minutes in open session during the Oct. 12 meeting before the board votes to appoint a new member.
Land Acquisition
The board engaged in an extended discussion regarding the proposed purchase of 33 acres adjacent to the campus for $165,000.
Early this year, the owner of the property offered the land located south of the campus on the other side of Smith Road for $231,000, which equated to $7,000 per acre.
Woodlawn School District maintenance director Tony Holderfield and school board member Aaron Tooke walked the 33 acres after that offer. Based on their assessment, most of the land is in a low-lying area that would not …