Process Started to Auction Surplus KCSD Items
By Scott Johnson
BALD EAGLE TOWNSHIP – One of the first items Keystone Central School District Superintendent Jacquelyn Martin identified when she was first hired earlier this year may finally happen soon.
The school board, at its meeting Thursday night, discussed a proposal from Michael F. Dillard Auction Co. LLC for an online action of surplus items in the district.
The price would be on a commission basis: 30 percent of auction sales proceeds for the sale of all items sold during the auction, with the price sliding to 25 percent for items selling for more than $250, 20 percent for items selling for more than $500 and a 15 percent for vehicle sales. The proposal is also for a 3.5 percent fee for the use of a credit system and an 18 percent buyer premium.
Martin said the number of surplus items is in the hundreds and have been accumulating for at least the past decade.
Board member Polly Donahay asked if the district sought other, possibly less-costly, proposals. Martin said she met with Dillard this week to discuss the fees and she was satisfied.”I do believe this is the best route to go,” she said.
Director of Property Services Bob Pacella said he believes the firm would provide the necessary manpower and expertise to serve the district. “There are other options, but this seems to be the cleanest option and hands-off process,” he said. “We don’t have the manpower.”
Board member Elisabeth Lynch asked if the district could direct the money to go toward student groups or projects like installing new artificial surface at Malinak Stadium.
She added she believes the board should be able to direct where the advertising went, specifically noting auctionzip.com. Pacella responded that the board can, but it must legally be advertised in two local media outlets.
Martin said she hopes the board can make a decision soon so the items can be cleared as soon as possible.”Last spring,” Martin joked to the media after the meeting when asked a possible timetable for the likely auction.
In another matter, Martin said she and other administrators are looking at altering the schedules for secondary students to allow more learning time during the school day.”I think we can do better,” she said. “Class periods are 42 minutes, which is not enough time for teachers to delve into subjects.
Martin added the committee will look at data and research to identify what is the best for the students, along with also trying to provide more course offerings at Bucktail Area High School. She hopes to offer results to the school board in November.
In other other area, the board decided to postpone paying a bill for $8,108 to the Sugar Valley Rural Charter School for tuition for secondary special education for “reconciliation for 2018-2019,” according to the bills for payment document. Martin said she could not comment further than “the business office needs more information before paying the bill.”
Seven of the nine board members were present with Charlie Rosamilia and Tracey Smith absent.
