BOE sells old school property for $1.2 million

By Ben Murray, Staff Writer

Tuesday was a lucrative day for the Clinch County School System. 

Sealed bids were opened Tuesday for a 6-acre property being offered for sale by the school system – the old elementary school property between the east/west lanes of Highway 84. The high bid of $1.2 million was accepted by the Clinch County Board of Education at their regular monthly meeting Thursday.

The bid was made by Real Hospitality Group LLC. Real Hospitality Group’s Mike Singhani, who also owns One Trip convenience store and Cork & Barrel in Homerville, said the plan is to develop the property for housing.

“Homerville is in dire need of high-quality, well-maintained housing options to help attract future industry and support the area’s growth and development,” said Singhani. “We’re looking to develop the land in Homerville into housing, including apartments and condos. With our local government’s support, we’re hopeful we can get this project off the ground.”

The actual bid was $1, 223,790.29. The next-highest bid, by Lewis and Raulerson Inc. (Friendly Express), was around $600,000.

In other action from Thursday’s meeting, the board:

.  Heard from Director of Finance Liane Register about the completion of the audit for fiscal year 2024.

.  Approved administration contracts for fiscal year 2026 for Jason Bell, Denise Brown, Ann Johnson, Caroline Lankford, and Jerri Lynn Spivey.

.  Accepted a retirement letter from Debbie Hayes.

.  Approved pending background check for Eric Smith as a substitute bus driver.

.  Approved admin duties for fiscal year 2025 for the middle school and high school.

.  Approved financial reports  for January 2025.

.  Approved the resolution for opting out of House Bill 581, which has to be submitted in Atlanta by March 1.

.  Approved a claim to be submitted for repairing water damage at Clinch County Elementary School gym from Hurricane Helene.  Worst case scenario for cost is $56,000 for the repairs.

.  Approved the 2025 athletic schedule for track and field.

.  Heard from Superintendent Lori James about a drama connections performance from the middle school of the Three Little Pigs, and Goldilocks and the Three Bears on Tuesday, March 4 at the City Hall auditorium.

.  The board was asked by Superintendent James about purchasing a new scoreboard with a video screen for Donald Tison Field.  The board decided to wait until March to make a decision about purchasing the scoreboard.