Board hears budget pressures, election costs and stadium construction timeline

Board members and the superintendent addressed district budget pressures, the cost of local elections, and the status of a major stadium project.

A board member explained that the district pays its own election costs and reported the general-election cost this year is $36,000; she said the cost would roughly double if a primary were required. Board members said they will reduce travel and that each member had committed to personally cover attendance at non-required conferences beyond a shared conference (the Wazda conference) for a new board member.

Superintendent Jay Brower described district-wide revenue and expense pressures and said staff are seeking efficiencies and additional revenue sources tied to programs such as CTE. On facilities, Brower provided a construction update for the new stadium: excavation is substantially complete (he described “about 15 and a half inches” removed in a referenced cut), drainage rock deliveries have begun, and contractors are installing drainage systems. Brower said most installations—restrooms, lights, scoreboard and bleachers—are expected to be in place by Dec. 31, with the track’s final rubberized layer to be applied in March, weather permitting.

Board members also recognized recent fundraising and legislative support that brought about $1.3 million for bathrooms and stadium work and thanked local partners (LRI, OHOP, Arrow Lumber and the Greater Eatonville Community Foundation) for in-kind or financial support. The board noted that these revenue streams reduce direct taxpayer burden but that continued fiscal restraint is required.