The Bethlehem Area School District is looking into possibly selling two buildings that are not currently being utilized by district programs as part of the facilities department five year plan.

The facilities in question are Rosemont and Monocacy, which have stood vacant for five years and have fallen into disrepair, said Mark Stein, facilities director. At the March 6 meeting Stein brought the possibility of leasing or selling the buildings to the board as the real estate market continues to rebound.

According to Stein, the board has several options when deciding how to sell the buildings. The board can put the sale out to private bid, public auction or direct sale. A direct sale would need approval by county court.

"One of the things we wanted to look at when considering selling or not selling is enrollment. The only long term question mark is the development of Martin Tower, (which) could bring more students to area. So based on that information, the only use those buildings are getting is as storage. Based on that need we are just looking for some direction from the board on your thoughts on what to do with the buildings," said Stein.

During discussion, board members indicated they do not want to lease the buildings and that they would like to sell them. Director Basilio Bonilla said he did not want to let go of Rosemont yet because it is used for storage and to see what will happen with Martin Towers, but was fine with letting Monocacy be sold, as he does not see a use for that building.

Board President Michael Facinetto said he does not see a use in the future for either building and would strongly recommend getting rid of them. A vote for the potential sale of the buildings was put on the agenda for the March 24 meeting.

Following the facilities and operations committee meeting Dr. Jack Silva presented the curriculum department's five-year plan and had Sean Kruglak from Hobsons to present information on a software program called Naviance, which is a college and career readiness tool.

Naviance helps students match their skills and interests to careers and helps them find the school that is the right fit for them. It also compiles documents such as scholarships and other forms in one place for parents, along with providing a variety of administrative tools for high school staff, according to Kruglek. According to Silva, this program matches and expands the pathways currently being offered to students in the BASD district.

"I am very excited to come back to Naviance because I have seen it work. We just need to get the data in there. We are going to have to do a lot of work to make sure that data is getting in there," said Dr. Joseph Roy, BASD superintendent. The proposed contract would be for a period of five years ,according to Silva.