The Killeen Independent School District (KISD) is set to auction two former elementary school properties with an estimated value nearing $3.6 million. The properties in question are the former Clifton Park Elementary and Sugar Loaf Elementary schools, both of which have remained vacant since their closure in 2021.
The district’s move comes as a strategic response to a shifting enrollment landscape and rising operational costs related to maintaining unused facilities. The sealed bidding process for these properties will be open until January 13, 2026, providing an opportunity for interested buyers to submit bids through KISD’s purchasing website.
Notably, the Clifton Park property is located at 2200 Trimmier Road and spans 9.84 acres, featuring a main building of 51,060 square feet constructed in 1964, along with a 3,897-square-foot physical education building added in 2011. It has an assessed value of approximately $1.57 million. The Sugar Loaf property, positioned at 1517 Barbara Lane, encompasses 5.288 acres and includes a larger building of 62,303 square feet built in 1965, valued at around $1.99 million.
This effort to sell surplus properties aligns with KISD’s financial goals. Assistant Superintendent for Facilities Services, Adam Rich, presented to the board that selling these properties could save the district about $300,000 each year by reducing maintenance, insurance, and utilities costs linked to their upkeep. The potential savings highlight an essential step for the district as it navigates budget challenges, enabling resources to be funneled back into educational initiatives and campus improvements.
Just weeks prior to this announcement, a local church from Harker Heights expressed interest in the Eastern Hills Middle School, which is scheduled to close at the end of the current academic year. This indication of interest underscores an ongoing demand for previous school properties in the Killeen area, with various entities like churches and community organizations actively seeking such facilities.
The auction of Clifton Park and Sugar Loaf is part of a broader strategy to streamline KISD’s real estate portfolio, with future updates expected regarding the potential sale of the Bellaire property, which closed concurrently with the other two schools. This alignment in property sales is designed to help KISD optimize its operations and achieve significant savings while responding to community needs.
The conclusion of operations at Clifton Park and Sugar Loaf marks a poignant transition for KISD, which will see two educational establishments that served the community for decades become repurposed. The future of these properties could involve a variety of uses, ranging from private schools and community centers to offices or residential developments, depending on the buyers’ intentions and local zoning regulations. As KISD navigates this new chapter, the potential revitalization of these properties holds promise for further community enrichment and development.