Dunlap CUSD 323 board debates Fortress Bank sponsorship language, approves bills, projects and staffing; tables student activity fee change

Dunlap CUSD 323’s Board of Education spent part of its regular meeting discussing the language of a 10-year sponsorship agreement with Fortress Bank and voted on a series of routine items including payment of bills, summer projects and staffing requests.

Board members focused on section 4.3 of the Fortress Bank sponsorship contract, which addresses whether the bank may extend the agreement after the 10-year term. A board member read the clause aloud: “If Fortress is not in default of this agreement, the parties may extend the term of this agreement for an additional period and cost as agreed upon by the parties. Fortress will provide District 223 notice by 01/01/2036 of its interest to exercise its option to extend the agreement. If no notice is received by 01/01/2036, Fortress Bank will then be deemed to have conclusively declined its option to extend.”

Board discussion centered on whether the district would be free to negotiate with third parties immediately after the 10-year term or whether it must wait until Fortress “conclusively declines” its option. One board member said, “I would even be comfortable with the right…