Berkshire Board Authorizes the Purchase and Lease of Burton Property
to House Vocational Classrooms & Transportation Department;
Preston Auto Will Do Auto Work at the Property
Berkshire Board of Education - Special Meeting, December 23, 2024
Meeting Details: The meeting was held in the Auditorium of the Berkshire Local Schools complex, 14155 Claridon Troy Rd, Burton, Ohio 44021 at 6 pm. The meeting was in person only with no virtual attendance option. A video of the meeting is posted here. View the agenda online and any attached documents here by selecting the meeting tab and then the meeting date. The notation of minutes refers to the time posted on the video for the discussion of the item listed.
Board Members Attendance: The following members attended: Jody Miller, Vice President and members Dan Berman, Linda Stone, and Bryan Wadsworth. President John Manfredi was absent.
Mrs. Miller conducted the meeting.
Staff Attendance: John Stoddard, Superintendent, and Beth McCaffrey, Treasurer
Meeting called to order at 6:00 pm
Pledge of Allegiance
Approval of Agenda - Motion carried unanimously without discussion
Public Participation/Public Comment - No audience members were in attendance. This observer attended virtually.
1:30 min New Business
The Board voted unanimously to authorize the purchase and lease of the approximately 5 acres of land and buildings at 13595 W. Center St., Burton, Ohio 44021, known as the Burton Garage. The authorization further states that:
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The Board wants to acquire the property to service the bus fleet and to house the school district’s transportation department, administrative offices, classroom space, and space for vocational activities.
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Preston Auto plans to give the Board $750,000, which is the full purchase price for the property.
Dr. Stoddard explained that the school is purchasing the former ODOT building at the corner of Rapids Road and Route 87. They will partner with Preston Auto, who will run some auto repairs and body work out of the shop. The school’s diesel and other tech programs and transportation department will also run out of the location. Preston will pay $750,000 for the property purchase and pay monthly rent as long as they are working out of the facility. Observer Note: There was no information shared about the details of the rent or any lease involved.
No Board Discussion or Executive Session
3:10 min Meeting was adjourned
Observer: Rooney Moy
Editor: Gail Roussey
Reviewer: Sarah McGlone
Date Submitted: 01/15/2025
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