November 21, 2017 at 7:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

President Stohs welcomed everyone and thanked them for their attendance.

Superintendent Meyerle gave an introduction on the new gym/addition proposal.  He noted the need, possible location, the results from the survey on the subject, possible cost, possible size, timeline, student safety concerns and enrollment numbers. 

Superintendent Meyerle noted that to believe such a project will never be undertaken, is not realistic in maintaining a competitive school district.  He believes it is more fiscally responsible to complete the project sooner than later.

Information was provided comparing the district levy and valuations to other school districts.  The Diller-Odell School District is fortunate to have a sizeable amount of centrally assessed property as well as a wind farm in the school district.  Both contribute to the district levy being lower than most neighboring school districts.

Superintendent Meyerle noted that the school had lowered it's overall tax request in 2016-17 and 2017-18.  He added that there are no plans to consolidate or merge,  With the tax levy being lower than neighboring districts, a merger would only potentially increase the levy.

The school has been addressing facility issues using the special building fund and plan on improving and using the existing buildings for the next 25-30 years.  There is no plan to close any buildings or build a school on a new site.

He noted that we want to attract people to live and work in our school district, as well as attract students to attend whether it be by residence or optioning in to the school district.  He believes that Diller-Odell students deserve as nice of facilities as neighboring schools.  While he understands that the primary function of the school is to educate students, a gym does function as part of the general education program, and serves the school district in a number of ways.

Members of the CTS group presented some concept designs of what a new gym/addition may look like.  CTS is a group that hopes to be selected in a design/build plan should the project move forward.

Public comment was received from the following: Matt Duis, Chris Clifford, Joann Scheele, John Knabe, Mackenzie Vitosh, Addison Heidemann, John Novotny, Jarrod Heidemann, Kyle Stohs, Laurie Vitosh and Kandice Jurgens.

The Board appreciated the public comment and will continue to consider the project.

President Stohs adjourned the meeting at 8:30pm.  The next regular meeting is December 11, 2017  at the elementary school in Diller.