The county schools may hire a realtor to market a prime tract at the old East Brainerd Elementary School.
However, board members David Testerman and Greg Martin wondered if the schools should not handle the deal and save a big commission.
But Supt. Rick Smith said a top commercial realty firm would "is going to do their job and earn their fee."
Supt. Smith added, "Where this property is is going to attract a lot of attention - both here and from elsewhere, and we want to get top dollar."
Justin Witt, director of maintenance, said the county real property department handled the sale of the old Ooltewah Elementary School. However, on this transaction it recommended a commercial realtor.
It was estimated that the nine-acre tract on East Brainerd Road might bring in from $250,000 to $300,000 per acre and that a realtor might get from six to eight percent of the total.
County school staff will proceed with taking RFQs from interested realty firms. He said the group would be narrowed to three, then to one firm that would be forwarded to the board.
Supt. Smith said the school system is anxious to get rid of the old Piney Woods School, noting it is costing about $25,000 per year.
The Alton Park Development Corporation has occupied the building for some 10 years and is interested in acquiring it.