Want to buy a school?

You don’t have any say in the location, and you may be outbid – but if that’s your dream, and you’re OK with those obstacles, it’s within reach.

The Waterloo Catholic District School Board is selling the former St. Patrick Catholic Elementary School on Burgetz Avenue in Kitchener’s Idlewood neighbourhood.

“We don’t want to hold onto surplus properties longer than we have to,” says Shesh Maharaj, the board’s treasurer.

St. Patrick closed in 2010, after it was deemed unnecessary to the board’s operations.

A ‘for sale’ sign has been hung outside the school, and the board is taking bids on the 4.5-acre property without providing a specific asking price.

Ultimately, the board is able to choose any offer.

Factors such as what the new buyer intends to do with the site will be considered, but price is expected to be one of the bigger factors.

“We have an idea of what the property’s worth, based on previous sales in the area,” says Maharaj.

“If someone were to bid, say, a dollar – it’s not going to work.”

Neighbours say they’re not sure what the property is worth – asked by CTV News for estimates, responses ranged from $500,000 to $2 million.

Also varying were opinions on what the property should be used for, with ideas suggesting including a community centre and a shopping complex.

“I think it would be great if it was some kind of a community program,” said Ruth Patton.

“It’s a great place for kids to hang out.”