School board unanimous on purchase of Market on Main

School board unanimous on purchase of Market on Main

TRACY GOLDIZEN • COURIER FEATURES EDITOR

OTTUMWA: The former Market on Main building is getting a new owner.

In a unanimous vote Monday night, the Ottumwa School Board voted to purchase the building at the intersection of Jefferson and East Main streets.

Superintendent Mike McGrory gave some highlights of the proposal before the vote. The district would purchase the building for $500,000 in the contract with the Legacy Foundation, the current owners of the building, with a contingency of Legacy giving $50,000 back to the district each year for two years.

"They would give, in total, $100,000 back to the district for a net of $400,000 total," McGrory said. The deal would have a closing date of Jan. 4, 2021, with the monies from Legacy being dispersed in March of each year.

The proposal was first presented to the board late last month with the intent of expanding the Career and Technical Education Program at Ottumwa High School. At that time, McGrory said the expansion would provide additional

career educational opportunities as well as more options for concurrent college enrollment. It would also "provide the district and students additional ways to connect with businesses and community members" while being a draw for families considering a move to the district with its unique programming.

The board has since held two closed sessions in regards to discussions on real estate transactions.