July 10, 2017 at 7:30 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Gary Stohs' absence was excused.

The Board received public comment on the possibility of the construction of a new gym.  Visitors were: Chris and Angie Clifford, Kristen Heidemann, Heidi Logan, Ann Engelman, Josh Novotny, Kandice Jurgens, Stu and Laurie Vitosh, Amanda McKinney.

The Board welcomed Matt Mezger as the new Principal, and appreciated his attendance.  He will begin work August 1.

No changes were made, so no action was taken.  Price remain $5 for adults, $4 for students, and $2 for Senior Citizens. 

The Board received public comment and reviewed information from the staff summarized by Mrs. Becker, on changing to an 8 period day for 2018-19. Mr. Meyerle and Mr. Mezger noted the sooner the decision would be made for planning purposes.  The Board is receptive to the change to grow course offerings and to  help students take part in certain classes.  The change will be on the August agenda as an action item.

Superintendent Meyerle gave an update on summer facility work which includes HS restroom renovation, elementary hallway window work, football locker room renovation, and the near completion of the fitness center in Diller.

Superintendent Meyerle reported on an upcoming budget timeline.  He also noted he would like to have a second meeting in August as we have had in the past for budget preview.  He would like to have that meeting on August 23.

The Board discussed possible facility work which included:Roof repair, a rotating AC unit replacement plan, window replacement, and the new gym discussion.Improvements to the shop, a greenhouse and an FFA garden were also discussed.Superintendent Meyerle noted that he feels that the current buildings can be maintained with occasional improvements for the next 20-25 years.  He noted, that based on other schools' new projects, that new buildings could cost anywhere from $14-20 million and would require a bond issue for a period of 20-30 years, which would require a major tax increase.  The Board, nor Superintendent Meyerle, is not interested in such a venture at this time.The discussion on the possibility of a new gym was again discussed.  Mr. Meyerle will seek out some options on new gym possibilities to share with the Board. The Board realizes that our school district is in a very fortunate position when it comes to property taxes as compared to most surrounding districts.  The Board discussed differences in philosophy of slowing down project work for a few years vs. continuing to get as many projects done in the next 5-7 years before the district's centrally assessed property valuation decreases, and more of the tax burden is put back on individuals.  Superintendent Meyerle noted that if it is a project that would be done at some point in the future, the cost will only increase each year.The Board wants to plan on a community meetings in Diller and Odell sometime in November to offer a venue for questions to be ask and answered on the possible project.Currently the Board will continue to review information as it becomes available and encourages questions and comment from patrons.

President Gary Stohs adjourned the meeting at 9:37pm.  The next regular meeting is scheduled for August 14 at 8:00pm at the High School.