BROOKINGS – The Brookings School Board last week approved moving forward on purchasing a plot of land just north of the Outdoor Adventure Center. The land is currently owned by the Mendel family.

The district’s plan for the land is to establish a transportation facility much like the bus garage/shop located south of Brookings High School on Eighth Street South. 

Currently the School Board does not know the exact cost of the land because it is in the process of being appraised. Superintendent Klint Willert projects that the final number should be ready in 40-45 days.

Both Willert and School Board President Van Fishback said the land will be purchased with Capital Outlay funds. Using these funds will not impact any of the other financial or structural changes that the school board has recently made.

Funds available in Capital Outlay will more than cover the cost of the land, Fishback said. 

Willert said the district’s comprehensive facility plan, which called for purchasing land to meet school district needs, was developed and approved in 2017.

There is also potential for the district to work with the Brookings Area Transit Authority on a facility that houses both BATA and school buses on the property.

In May, Brookings School Board members agreed that school district administration should enter into discussions on a possible collaborative transportation facility with BATA.

Contact Matthew Rhodes at mrhodes@brookingsregister.com.