Elmbrook’s ~$1M Property Sale Delayed After Community Outcry Over Lack of Transparency
The sale of the 9 acre former Hillside Elementary property in Brookfield has been delayed so the district can solicit more feedback.
Robust community feedback was heard on 10/29/24 regarding the sale of a property in Elmbrook’s portfolio with comments about insufficient communication, lack of transparency, potential conflicts of interest and more.
The property, which formerly was Hillside Elementary, is tucked within a residential neighborhood and the offer being considered was for $900,000. The buyer indicated that they intended on using the property for an adult day care center. The 9 acre property was listed for sale for $1.125M.
A deed restriction for 10 years that would prohibit the property from being used as a school was passed by the board in a 4-3 vote on 10/23/24. (This non-recorded session occurred after a private session where the offer was discussed.) During recorded discussion on 10/29/24, board members Mary Wacker, Preetha Kurudiyara and Jean Lambert indicated that they would not vote for the sale because the deed restriction was not permanent.
Common themes during community feedback on 10/29/24 included a lack of transparency, narrow communication to the public and the desire to continue to use the site as a community playground. One community member expressed that there appeared to be consensus to demolish the building but maintain the site at the Board's prior listening session on 4/4/24. The listening session for Hillside fell two days after the spring election and notice to the community occurred during the start of Elmbrook’s spring break.
Community members pointed out that a digital notice, such as the current facilities website, was not effective in reaching all residents.
Questions were raised about the price of the offer and whether the property was locked into its intended use for the buyer. Concerns were that depending on the property use, it could change the character of the neighborhood. Feedback implored the board to not make this only a financial decision, but also one that is in the best interests of the surrounding community long-term.
Discussion brought into question if cost estimates to demolish the building were accurate and it was revealed that $10M that was previously set aside for Hillside repairs was reallocated in 2022.
Board member Kathy Lim pointed out that the board never voted on selling the property; they only voted on engaging a realtor to see what the market might provide. She expressed her opinion that the board often gets pushed into taking action when simply gathering data. She spoke about how she advocated earlier this year to get better communication to the community near Hillside and wanted the process to be done appropriately, even if it took longer. She received applause from the community in attendance for her remarks. Later, Kathy reiterated that the board needs to make decisions for the whole community, not just those that attend Elmbrook schools.
Conflicts of Interest?
Conflicts of interest were also brought up with a request that it be confirmed none exist. Board President Scott Wheeler said he did not have any conflicts of interest and did not believe other board members had any as well, but he left it up to other board members to disclose and/or recuse themselves.
Comments were shared that because a realtor was already engaged when the first listening session occurred, there were concerns that the community was speaking to deaf ears. A community member brought up a previous situation where it appeared a decision was already made before feedback from the community was solicited. In addition, a concern was expressed that the property sale could have been approved days earlier in a non-recorded session without the community’s knowledge.
In recent years, potential conflicts of interest with Elmbrook’s Superintendent, Mark Hansen, have been raised. Recent examples include him being a Director of the entity that awarded him “Superintendent of the Year”, his link with a vendor used in the Brookfield Elementary library remodel, his position on the Executive Committee of the Elmbrook Education Foundation, his sharing of Elmbrook’s COVID data, and his communication with (then candidate) Preetha Kurudiyara.
District Response
An email went out from the district on 11/6/24 advising of additional avenues for feedback. First, there is a new listening session on 11/18/24 and invitations are being mailed to 1,000 residents near Hillside. Community members are also invited to email the Board. Finally, there is two-question survey to provide feedback.
Update: Thank you to the Freeman for their coverage on the upcoming listening session.
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