District reviews land holdings in Newton, Smithfield and Hyrum; discusses surplus and search for future school sites

District staff reviewed several properties the Cache County School District currently owns and discussed potential future uses, surplus options and ongoing land searches.

Scott Murphy presented an overview of district land parcels used for or reserved for schools: a smaller parcel in Newton (approximate location 300 South and 100 East) with no current plans; a 24.61-acre farm parcel near Skyview High School in Smithfield described as the district’s largest holding and suitable for a future elementary or middle school but requiring some roadwork; a 10.2-acre agricultural parcel adjacent to South Cache Middle School in Hyrum that staff said could accommodate an elementary school though slope mitigation would be needed; and additional lands east of Mountain Crest High School that include parking and driver’s ed areas, which the presenter said are less ideal for a new elementary but might serve as replacement space if needed.

Murphy said the district had previously considered another parcel north of Mountain Crest but appraisal and asking-price differences had prevented purchase. He said district real-estate agent Ken Dunkley is actively searching for additional, preferably more rural parcels that could be less expensive than properties nearer main corridors. Board members discussed surplus possibilities (including declaring Newton property surplus and offering it for bid) but several trustees advocated waiting for the facilities advisory committee’s work and a comprehensive facilities plan before disposing of property.

No formal property sale or surplus action was taken at the meeting; staff said surplus processes would first offer property to public entities per law and that any sale would follow public bidding procedures.