Sumner could go to highest bidder
9:31 p.m. Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Historic Sumner Elementary School could go to the highest bidder.
Tuesday, Topeka City Council members asked city staffers to prepare a potential plan to auction off the building. Community First tried to buy the building from the city, but was unable to raise the $3.5 million needed to renovate the school at the center of the Brown vs. Board case.
Some city staffers say Community First has an edge on other groups trying to bid on the building.
"Well, Community First has a head start on everyone who might be bidding on this," said Deputy City Manager Randy Speaker. "I'd assume they will be bidding on the property."
Even though the council is asking for a proposal to auction off the building, it doesn't necessarily mean Sumner will be sold. Council members still have to vote to accept the auction process.
Also from the Topeka City Council: Fire station upgrades.
Read more about the history of Community First's fight for Sumner below:
Sumner School Timeline
- Historic building could be a school again (December 21, 2006)
- Sumner School Tour (December 29, 2006)
- School board to vote on charter (January 4, 2007)
- Sumner elementary has served many purposes (January 4, 2007)
- Red light to charter schools (January 4, 2007)
- Neighbors: Renovations to historic school beneficial for community (January 5, 2007)
- Sumner School up for sale or lease (March 12, 2007)
- Sumner gets another shot at becoming a charter school (March 19, 2007)
- City wants to consider alternatives to demolition of Sumner School (June 20, 2007)
- Sumner School plans vary, but all agree to avoid demolition (June 21, 2007)
- City Council considers selling historic Sumner School (July 21, 2007)
- Sumner School's future is with the Pioneer Group (July 24, 2007)
- Community First signs contract to buy Sumner School (October, 29, 2007)
- Charter school proponents meet to rally support (Dec. 27, 2007)
- Community First won't get to buy Sumner deadline (May 30, 2008)
- Community First pleads case to council (June 4, 2008)
- Council directs staff to extend contract (June 10, 2008)
- Deadline passes for Sumner School purchase (Sept. 5, 2008)
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