Board approves summer projects, baseball contract and bus rate increase; finance update outlines referendum funding plan

The Manitowoc Public School District board approved several facilities and finance items during the meeting, including awarding construction for a baseball project, approving a bus contract increase and receiving details on referendum fund use.

Facilities: Building and grounds staff presented summer projects, noting continued work on Lincoln High School's roof and extensive work at Jefferson Elementary. The board voted to award phase‑2 of the baseball field project to H and H Construction — the lowest bidder preferred by coaches — with an out clause if subsurface drilling uncovered unexpected conditions.

Finance: District staff explained the referendum financing plan. Administrators said proceeds will be divided between two funds (fund 39 and fund 49) and that the referendum projects will likely be executed across two main years (one year at about $15 million, a second at about $10 million), with the potential to extend an additional year due to interest earnings on borrowed funds.

Transportation and other contracts: The board approved a 3% rate increase to the Brant Bus Student Transportation contract to cover higher costs for insurance, travel time and parts. Administrators also said that the Lakeshore Child Care Center operation will move from the YMCA to Riverview, producing approximately $214,000 in savings.

The board approved the contracts and finance recommendations after committee review and unanimous committee votes where recorded.