Dunlap board authorizes up to $4 million more to expand training center; vote 3-2

The Dunlap CUSD 323 Board of Education on Oct. 11, 2025, voted 3-2 to authorize spending up to an additional $4 million to expand and potentially reorient the district’s planned training center, a move supporters say could add a 200-meter track and allow the facility to host meets and tournaments.

The question of whether to "flip" the building footprint — placing the building on the drive side rather than adjacent to Cedar Hills and moving parking to the other side — prompted a lengthy debate about cost, timing and long-term benefits. Administration staff recommended against the flip, citing steep construction costs and visual/engineering concerns, while several board members said the larger facility could produce revenue and better serve students and the community.

Board member Tom, who made the motion, said he had spent weeks gathering estimates and pushed for the option because it would allow "an additional basketball court" and a 200-meter track that could host events. "I feel better even about more like 12 than with the extra 4 just because…