OTSELIC – School officials at the Otselic Valley Central School District are looking to add to the district’s recent $17 million building project with a new proposal that would provide ample parking for the newly renovated K-12 building.

The Otselic Valley School Board recently suggested the purchase of property located at 156 County Road 13 in Otselic, adjacent to the school, at a cost not to exceed $50,000. Should the district move forward with the purchase, the property – put up for sale by the owner – would be leveled and paved to furnish more parking spaces for students and visitors during special events.

The proposal to bid on the property will be voted on by residents in the OV School District on Dec. 5. Polls open from noon to 9 p.m. at the OV Elementary School, 1003 state Route 80, Georgetown, for residents in election district no. 1; and at the OV High School, 125 County Road 13A, South Otselic, for residents in elections district no. 2.

According to OV District Superintendent Richard Hughes, the proposal to buy the lot is not included in the original building renovation project that was approved by voters in 2011; although, additional parking space “would allow safer entrance and better access in to the building,” he said.

“Right now, we have enough parking for staff but this is an unexpected opportunity that has presented itself,” said Hughes, also noting the capital building project started two years ago is nearly complete and “well under budget.”