NEPN/NSBA Code: DN  

SCHOOL PROPERTIES DISPOSITION 

The Superintendent is authorized to determine, through procedures they develop, when personal property (supplies, materials, equipment), as distinguished from real property, is obsolete or no longer of use to the school unit and to declare it surplus. 

Procedures for the disposal of all surplus personal property over $5,000 shall be in accordance with the following:

A. Other municipal departments are to be informed in writing of property declared surplus and are to have first option to purchase. The charges for municipal purchases shall be determined by the Superintendent. 

B. Surplus property, including books, to be offered for sale shall be disposed of by sealed bid, public auction, or public sale. Public notice of any sale of surplus property shall be given at least one week in advance of an auction, sale, or opening of sealed bids. 

C. Library books, textbooks, and instructional materials are to be disposed of by a means most likely to offer promise of continuing educational benefit, first to residents of the school district, then to others.

D. Any surplus property which is offered for public sale and is not sold may be disposed of in a manner deemed advisable by the Superintendent, including donation to non-profit agencies. 

E. Any property determined to be worthless, or for any reason is considered to be inappropriate for sale, shall be disposed of in a manner the Superintendent deems appropriate. 

F. Any school district identification that has been applied to the surplus property shall be removed or, if not possible to remove, be further identified to indicate the intended disposition and surplus nature (i.e., “SOLD BY,” “SURPLUS”).

All revenues which result from the sale of surplus property shall be credited as miscellaneous income except in any instance where law requires that it be credited to a specific account. 

Legal Reference: 20-A MRSA § 7 

Adopted: June 7, 2000 

Reviewed: October 17, 2011 

Reviewed: January 5, 2015 

Revised: November 5, 2020

Revised: April 8, 2025