Posted May 2, 2023
The Board of Education took action at its meeting on Monday, May 1, 2023, to proceed with the purchase of approximately 38.35 acres of vacant property in Lenexa for $1.435 million. The property is located at the southeast corner of 83rd Street and Cedar Niles Road and has been for sale for at least two years.
The acquisition supports the district’s long-range planning to be prepared for future school needs. Specifically, the site would be used to construct a new elementary school campus that may be needed within the next five to seven years. Funding for the acquisition is part of the bond issue approved by voters in 2018.
Aerial image identifying 38+ acres of land located at the southeast corner of 83rd and Cedar Niles Road in Lenexa.
Background
According to current and planned residential developments, there is the potential for 592 single-family units and at least 75 multi-family units within close proximity to the property purchase. The district will monitor the residential developments over the next five to seven years. The district has been aware of the possible increase in student enrollment due to the planned residential growth, which was confirmed in a formal enrollment analysis commissioned by the Board of Education and presented on April 3, 2023.
District administration initiated ongoing conversations with the City of Lenexa regarding current and future land use planning. These conversations led the district several months ago to identify potential sites for a future school campus. In turn, the district has been in contact with the property owner regarding a possible purchase for the last several months.
Regular communication with cities helps the district identify potential growth areas within the boundaries of the school district. For context, a land purchase of this size would provide enough property to construct a future elementary school if and when it is needed. Making the purchase at this time is advantageous as it allows acquisition of property and strategically positions future Boards of Education to respond to needs.
Funding
Voters approved a bond issue in May 2018. A portion of the bond, $5 million, was allocated for land acquisition. Barring any unforeseen issues, the district could close on the property in the fall of 2023.
This is the second property acquisition made by the Board of Education within the last year. The Board approved the purchase of 150 acres in April 2022 in the southern portion of the district, near 127th Street and Waverly Road in Olathe, to position future Boards of Education to respond to future needs many years from now.
# # # #
