BUTLER TWP — The Butler School Board has approved a sales proposal for the Oakland Elementary School.

The Oakland school is for sale following the district's consolidation that took place in the summer before the current school year. That consolidation closed five elementary schools and reopened the Center Avenue school as the district's alternative and special education school.

The board approved a sales agreement with Monty Edgar, owner of Woodbine Oaks trailer park next to Oakland and Edgar Electric. Edgar offered the district $363,600 for the school, which has an average appraised market value of $362,500. Edgar previously told the board he wants to use the building for his electric company and to lease commercial office space.

The board voted 5-2 to sell the school.

Once the sales agreement is signed by both the district and the buyer, it will be submitted to Butler County Court for a sales hearing before a judge, according to district solicitor Tom King.

Board Vice President Jennifer Cummings argued that the board and administration should still have a full discussion on if the district can repurpose the Oakland building. For instance, the board has previously but briefly discussed leasing parts of the building while maintaining ownership in case there is a need for more district space.

Cummings also suggested the district explore making a magnet school out of the closed Oakland building, but board feedback has suggested that the closed Broad Street Elementary School may be a better option to keep for future endeavors.