McFarland School Board approves 20-year agreement to use new community ice arena for recreation programs

The McFarland School District board on Sept. 15 approved a 20-year agreement with the McFarland Community Ice Arena to rent the arena for community recreation programming outside school hours. The board voted in favor after administrators described the agreement as a way to expand community recreation without adding costs to the district’s operating budget. Board members said the expanded arena provides an opportunity to offer adult and youth recreation programs that the district cannot host during the school day. “With the expansion of the ice arena and a new beautiful space, it offers the ability for us to provide programming for recreation purposes,” a district administrator said during discussion. Supporters noted the relationship between the district and the arena has been long-running. Trustees thanked staff, the arena board and local partners for work that led to the agreement and said it will be reassessed over time to confirm it meets community needs. The administration emphasized the district will act as a partner but will not subsidize the program costs: program budgets are expected to be covered by participant fees and fundraising rather than the school’s general fund. The agreement designates the arena for community recreation programming outside regular school operations; it does not change school-day uses. The motion to approve the agreement was made and seconded on the record and carried without recorded opposition. Board members praised the plan as a “win-win” for the district and local recreation providers and noted the arena’s board has been an active partner throughout negotiations. The board also thanked staff who worked for years to advance the project. No changes to school operations, staff assignments, or budget appropriations were made at the meeting; the agreement itself was approved and will be implemented according to its terms and scheduling coordination between the district and the arena.