Another bidder on old FSMS gets his chance

After originally being passed over for another bidder, a Missouri man is getting a chance at owning the former Fort Scott Middle School building, 412 S. National Ave.

During Monday's USD 234 Board of Education meeting, the board approved a contract with Fairplay, Mo., native James Mayfield to purchase the building for $45,000. District Business Manager Alan Drake said a contract still has to be developed between Mayfield and the school district, but he added that Mayfield has already submitted a check to the school district for the entire amount of the sale.

The district will wait for the "appropriate time" to deposit the check, Drake said, adding that Mayfield has agreed to close within 30 days of the signing of the contract.

Drake said that Mayfield has expressed interest in turning the building, which has been vacant since 1999, into an antique mall and auction center should the sale become final. Mayfield has also said in his contact with the school district that he would like to open the gymnasium and auditorium for community youth groups and special interest groups.

Mayfield's interest in the building was made known to the board during its March meeting. However, at that time, his $45,000 offer was passed over for a $75,000 bid by Robert Gbobaniyi, West Haven, Conn. When Gbobaniyi failed to close by April 13, his contract with the district went into default. Gbobaniyi, who had planned to turn the building into a senior citizen facility, had submitted $1,000 in escrow funds to the district.

Drake said Gbobaniyi submitted a new proposal, which would increase his offer to $80,000, and he agreed to close the sale on June 13. However, he was not offering any additional escrow money. Drake said the board was not completely in favor of that proposal, and communication between Gbobaniyi and the school district began to decrease.

"The board was looking for a quick closing date and increased escrow funds," Drake said.

Drake said Mayfield's offer was accepted because he had agreed to close within 30 days of the contract signing, and the money for the building was already in the district's hands.

More information on Monday's USD 234 school board meeting will be available in an article to be published in the Wednesday edition of The Fort Scott Tribune.