The City of Parkland is currently demanding an $850,000 refund from Broward County Public Schools following the district’s $14 million sale of a 10.4-acre parcel to Broward Health. Originally contributed by the city in 2006 to facilitate the construction of an elementary school, the funds have become a point of contention after the project was indefinitely shelved and the land was eventually sold for a significant profit.
Key takeaways
- Parkland contributed $850,000 in 2006 to help finance a school that was never constructed.
- Broward County Public Schools recently sold the property to Broward Health for $14 million.
- City officials argue the money should be returned, while the district cites specific language in a 2005 resolution to justify keeping the funds.
- Superintendent Howard Hepburn is expected to meet with city leadership to negotiate a resolution.
The origins of the land dispute
In 2006, the City of Parkland and the Broward County School District entered into an agreement to purchase a 10.4-acre site on University Drive for $5.9 million. Parkland provided $850,000 toward the acquisition with the intent of establishing a local elementary school. However, following the economic recession and a subsequent decline in student enrollment, the district abandoned plans to build the school. For nearly two decades, the land remained vacant until the district decided to offload the property to offset budget deficits.
Differing legal perspectives
During a recent school board meeting, district officials argued that they are not contractually obligated to return the funds. According to legal counsel, the 2005 resolution passed by the Parkland City Commission stipulated that the $850,000 would only be refunded if the original land transaction failed to close. Because the purchase was completed in 2006, the district maintains that the refund clause was satisfied. Conversely, Parkland Mayor Rich Walker and school board member Lori Alhadeff argue that since the purpose of the contribution—building a school—was never fulfilled, the district should return the money as a gesture of good faith, especially given the substantial profit realized from the recent sale.
Path toward resolution
While the school board moved forward with the $14 million sale to Broward Health, members have agreed to withhold the $850,000 in question while further discussions take place. Superintendent Howard Hepburn has been tasked with meeting with Parkland city officials to determine if a compromise can be reached. Mayor Walker expressed optimism that the situation could be resolved amicably, noting that the district’s successful sale of the property provides enough financial flexibility to address the city’s request.
Sources
- Parkland seeks $850,000 refund after $14M school land sale, Sun Sentinel.