$5 bid for former Jeannette school rejected

Jeannette's school board on Monday rejected an offer by a Pittsburgh resident to purchase the former middle school on Fourth Street.

K. Howard Smith Enterprise offered $5 for the building, which over the years has served as a high school and middle school, but has stood empty for about 10 years. School board Solicitor Joyce Prettiman said the building's value is appraised at $45,000.

"There is an issue of asbestos in the building, which would have to be addressed before the building is transferred to anyone," Prettiman said during last night's board meeting. The school was last renovated in the mid-1970s when the asbestos was encapsulated as per state requirements.

School Director Joseph Yorio said he wants the board's concerns put in writing and sent back to Smith's attorney.

Prettiman said Smith's $5 offer was the first formal proposal for the building received by the district. Should the property be sold, the school district would need approval from the Westmoreland County Court of Common Pleas.

In other action, Superintendent Vincent Aiello said the district is preparing a newsletter that will be mailed to all city residents regarding Act 72 and how it will affect the school district and residents.

"Because of the rise in health care costs, senior citizens are putting their homes in their children's names, so they don't qualify for the homestead tax credit," said board Director Mark Gogolsky. "I have questions on this and other issues of this act."