Vermillion board approves school facility use agreements, renews bus contract and advances youth soccer MOU

The Vermillion School District 13-1 Board of Education on March 10 approved a package of facility-use agreements, awarded a transportation contract and authorized continued partnership talks with the Vermillion Youth Soccer League.

The board voted, by voice, to approve items A through E on the agenda, a package that included: a school lease request from Camp Invention seeking a waived fee for use of elementary classrooms the week of June 2–5; a facilities request from the elementary PTO to host its March 21 carnival in the school gyms with a fee waiver requested; a request from the Vermillion Booster Club to host its hall-of-fame banquet at the high school (the Booster Club also notified the board it intends to serve beer and wine and said it had filed paperwork with the district and city); the district's bus contract award after a two-proposal process; and a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Vermillion Youth Soccer League (VYSL) to pursue improved playing fields at Barstow Park.

Why it matters: the approvals allow community groups to use district facilities for spring and summer activities, continue the district's relationship with a bus services provider, and advance a multi-year partnership with VYSL that the board and city say could steer investment, tree removal/relocation and field redesign in Barstow Park.

Most important details - Camp Invention: Mindy Wessler, a third-grade teacher who said she will coordinate the program, asked the board to waive fees for June 2'025 programming and to reserve four classrooms, an open space and playground access. Wessler said Camp Invention provides materials and insurance and that she expects about 25 campers if the program returns after a one-year break. The board approved the lease request as part of the bundled motion.

- PTO carnival: A PTO representative asked to use both gymnasiums on March 21 and requested a fee waiver for what was described as the PTO's second-largest fundraiser. District staff noted small custodial or sanitization fees could apply if extra cleaning is required; the board approved the request.

- Booster Club hall of fame banquet and alcohol: Joe Cleveland, speaking for the Booster Club, described plans for a larger banquet to honor two inductees and said the club had filed paperwork with the district and the city and would hire community professionals and coordinate with law enforcement to ensure alcohol (beer and wine, as the club described it) is restricted to attendees of legal drinking age. The Booster Club asked for permission to serve alcohol; the board approved the facility-use request as part of the bundled vote but board discussion noted the city's licensing decision and the club's remaining obligations to follow city requirements.

- Bus contract: The district solicited proposals, received two, and evaluated price and nonfinancial factors. District presenter Mr. Gosher recommended continuing the relationship with Harlow's based on the proposals and the current relationship; that recommendation was approved in the same motion.

- Vermillion Youth Soccer League MOU: Kurt Nelson, VYSL president, described a proposal for a 10-year agreement to develop unused park space in the northwest corner of Barstow Park for soccer use, to rotate fields to reduce wear, and to invest league dollars in turf and drainage improvements. The plan discussed potential removal or relocation of roughly nine trees (several ash trees) and coordinating tree work and some parking/bathroom adjustments with the city. The board authorized continued work on the MOU and coordination with the city and the district facilities staff.

Quotes "We took a year off. We had it for 7 years, so I'd like to bring them back to the youth of Vermillion," said Mindy Wessler, describing Camp Invention's return. "We can assure you that we will have all the necessary accommodations to ensure that alcohol is only available to those of legal drinking age," Joe Cleveland said about the Booster Club's plans.

Process and limitations All five items were approved in a single bundled motion (motion: approve items A through E). The board moved and approved the package by voice vote; the motion was presented as "first by Mark, second by Mike," and approved. The Booster Club noted it had submitted paperwork to the city; board members said the city's licensing process and any city council action would still govern whether alcohol may be sold or distributed at the event.

Ending Board members and presenters characterized the approvals as part of ongoing community partnerships. The MOU with the youth soccer league will continue to be developed with city coordination and with more detailed site work and cost-sharing to follow.