BUTLER TWP — The Butler School Board had buyers for two closed elementary schools, but turned both down.

The board rejected sales proposals for Broad Street Elementary School and Oakland Elementary School, two schools that were closed along with Meridian and Clearfield schools when the district consolidated in the summer of 2015.

The district rejected a bid from JM Beatty Furniture for Broad Street, which has an average appraised market value of $456,500.

Although the initial bid was $530,000, JM Beatty Furniture lowered its offer to $400,000.

An offer for the Oakland school for $363,600 from Monty Edgar also was rejected. Oakland has an average appraised market value of $362,500.

Despite these actions, board President Nina Teff made a motion Monday night that the board express its intent to accept more offers. The board unanimously passed that.

Teff suggested that the board look into other options that increase revenue for the district such as leasing some of the building space.

However, board member Al Vavro said, “We want to spend money to educate kids. Buildings don't educate kids. Teachers, resources educate children, and my opinion is we need to sell the building.”

But board member Jennifer Cummings said that the board needs to discuss the impact of the school closings during the After-Action Review Committee meetings before selling more buildings.

The next committee meeting is April 5.