Board approves auction contract for high-school items after remediation concerns; auctioneer outlines staged pickup

The Cuyahoga Falls City School District recommended a contract with JF Marketing to auction moveable items from the water-damaged high school. Board members raised concerns about air quality and structural remediation after a prior Gandy report, and sought written confirmation that public access would be safe.

Remediation staff said the building dried better than expected and that Gandy’s earlier assessment reflected the worst snapshot; however, they recommended blocking off areas where ceiling materials or environmental hazards may remain. Board members asked for that guidance to be provided in writing before broad public access.

Auctioneer Frelich, who will manage the sale under the contract, described a process that limits community entry: auction staff will remove and stage movable items near exterior doors and retrieve items for buyers after purchase. Large items (weight-room equipment) will be coordinated with buyers and handled by the auction team; Frelich said terms and conditions posted online will forbid unattended walkthroughs and emphasize the district’s restriction of public access to the building.

Board members said they will require written remediation sign-off and clear public instructions before marketing or opening pickup windows. The district also discussed selectively blocking off damaged areas and supervising any onsite activity.

Next steps: the contract with JF Marketing advances auction planning; staff will obtain a written remediation recommendation and post explicit pickup procedures and safety restrictions for the public.