The board heard from Brian Zeller of TELUS Property Services and Solutions on options for selling and repurposing elementary-school properties.

Zeller said Willow's listing on the state historic registry could impose renovation restrictions but would not prevent reuse; he described likely demand for multi-tenant redevelopment and recommended the district consider deed restrictions if it wants to avoid competitive uses such as charter schools.

On Holton, Zeller suggested a title search to determine whether any historical donation or restriction requires the property to remain a school. He advised conducting a preliminary hazardous‑materials study to inform buyers and avoid surprises; he also said demolition is unlikely to be the economic choice for most buyers.

Zeller described varied buyer interest in prior engagements — from developers to unusual proposals such as funeral-home/event-center plans — and said the city’s zoning and sewer/water availability will influence the highest-and-best use. He recommended marketing the properties broadly and bringing letters of intent to the board for approval when viable prospects emerge.

The board later moved to convene in closed session under Wisconsin Statute 19.85 to deliberate or negotiate the sale of public properties when competitive or bargaining reasons require; staff clarified that prior closed sessions had not been about Willow or Holton.