By Mark Boshnack
The first step toward a possible sale of the Sidney Center school building is under way, Sidney school officials said Thursday.
During its Oct. 23 meeting, the Sidney Central School Board of Education authorized the exploration of the sale because the former school site is no longer being used.
After a controversial decision by the BOE, the Sidney Center school, along with one in Masonville, was closed during the summer of 2005 and students were bused to Sidney. Declining enrollment was cited in the closings. The Masonville building is being leased for a regional office and day treatment by Broome Developmental Center.
For the Sidney Center building, the school is contacting real-estate brokers who can give estimates of the value of the building, said Sidney Superintendent Sandra Cooper.
The board will hear the figures before it makes a final decision. If it approves the sale, residents will have 30 days to petition the board to hold a vote by residents on the issue.
"We haven't discussed how we will move forward," Cooper said.
Sidney Center Improvement Group Chairman Joe Lally said that while he would like to see the building returned to the tax rolls, he is researching what is needed to petition for a vote. He said he would like to see the building used for something that would benefit the community, and "by filing a petition, we have an opportunity to question the process."
School Board President Nancy Parsons said those who can't attend the next meeting may contact the school so "we can get answers to questions."
Lally said he has talked with the district to discuss some of the issues.
The next Sidney Board of Education meeting is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in the high school community room.
