Bill > SB698

This bill amends Section 703 of the Public School Code of 1949 to clarify and expand the powers of school district boards regarding the acquisition and disposal of real estate and school properties. The bill establishes three key provisions: First, school boards are granted broad authority to acquire property through various means (purchase, lease, gift, condemnation) for school purposes, with a notable change removing the requirement for Department of Education approval for school construction projects not seeking state reimbursement. Second, the bill sets guidelines for property purchases, stipulating that real estate can be acquired for no more than fair market value, and for purchases over $10,000, the fair market value must be determined through consultation with at least two sources, including the county assessor, a licensed real estate broker, or a licensed real estate appraiser from the county where the property is located. Third, the bill mandates that documents related to fair market value determinations must be transparent and accessible under the Right-to-Know Law and must be included in publicly available meeting documents. The legislation takes effect 60 days after its enactment, aiming to provide school districts with more flexibility in property acquisition while ensuring financial accountability and transparency.

Education

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=698