GBAPS board approves sales of school buildings, land swap

GREEN BAY – During an April 21 special board meeting, the Green Bay Area Public Schools (GBAPS) Board of Education approved the sale of three district buildings and one land swap.

The board approved the sale of Froebel Garden of Early Learning for $435,000; Keller Elementary School for $800,000; and Wequiock Elementary School for $500,000.

The board also approved a land swap with the Village of Bellevue.

Through the swap, GBAPS will receive approximately 22.655 acres and Bellevue will receive two parcels at 10,537 and 12,118 acres of district owned land.

“This land swap is mutually beneficial, providing GBAPS with one large, fully developable property; while providing the Village of Bellevue with two smaller parcels, one of which the village has an existing easement for a park structure and parking lot,” a district release stated.

“I want to acknowledge that the sale of a treasured school, where childhood memories and friends were made, is difficult,” said GBAPS Board President Laura McCoy. “It has been a multi-year process to arrive at this point, beginning in 2021 with our facility master planning. We have worked closely with our municipal partners while developing a plan to address the schools that have, or are, designated to close. For the buildings that were placed on the market, we are grateful that there were interested parties to ensure the properties remain viable assets in our community.”

“Revenue from the sale of the buildings will be used towards the district’s projected $10-12 million budget deficit for the 2025-26 school year. The sale of the buildings eliminates future costs for the district, including insurance and maintenance,” the release added.

The board approved the sale of Keller Elementary, 6-1, with Andrew Becker voting no, and Wequiock Elementary School, 5-2, with Andrew Becker and Bryan Milz voting no.