September 8, 2019
By: Dwayne Page
The DeKalb County Board of Education is getting serious about its search for property to build a new school to replace Smithville Elementary.
In a formal notice released Friday, the Board is actively requesting proposals from the public for the purchase of property.
If you own 25-100 acres within the City of Smithville or within five miles of the City in DeKalb County, the Board wants to know if you would like to sell your property for the purpose of building an elementary school. The property should have favorable topography, good vehicle access, and be accessible to sewer, water, and natural gas services.
Prospective bidders may pick up an RFP (Request for Proposal) packet from the DeKalb County Board of Education. A proposal form is also attached here.
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Sealed proposals are being accepted until 10 a.m. Thursday, September 26 in the office of the County Mayor at the courthouse, public square, Smithville and will be opened publicly at that time. Such proposals would not only have to be reviewed by the Board of Education but also by the County Commission’s Purchasing Committee.
The Board of Education reserves the right to reject any and all proposals and waive any irregularities for the purpose of ensuring that the award given is in the best interest of DeKalb County. Any proposals received after the scheduled closing time for receipt of proposals will be returned unopened.
Although the Board of Education months ago settled on the model for a new Pre-Kindergarten to 2nd grade school to replace Smithville Elementary it has not yet nailed down just where to build it.
Initial plans were to place the new 98,000 square foot school on the same property with Northside Elementary but the board’s architect, Upland Design Group suggested that it might be a tight fit unless adjacent land could be acquired and while the Director of Schools and Board members have had discussions with the neighboring landowner they have not come to terms with him.