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Board accepts donated wrestling practice building from Black Hills boosters
Summary
The Tumwater School District board voted to accept a donated 4,400-square-foot wrestling practice building to be constructed by Black Hills Wolves Wrestling boosters and volunteers; trustees discussed fundraising timeline, facility-use agreements and policy alignment before approving acceptance.
The Tumwater School District Board of Directors voted on Jan. 23 to accept the donation of a new wrestling practice building proposed by the Black Hills Wolves Wrestling booster organization.
Facilities Director Mel Murray told the board the proposed structure is a roughly 4,400-square-foot light-commercial building with a concrete slab, wood framing and electric heat. Murray said the Black Hills Wolves Wrestling 501(c)(3) and parent volunteers would fund and construct the building; the district would take ownership and be responsible for ongoing energy and maintenance costs once construction is complete and the building is accepted.
Board members asked procedural questions about fundraising, public-works laws and facility-use agreements. Director Taylor asked for an MOU or facility-use agreement and clarity about fundraising and donation-approval policy before final acceptance; a motion to table the decision until Feb. 27 failed and the board subsequently approved the donation.
Why it matters: The donated building would create year‑round practice space for high school and youth wrestling programs and could later be repurposed by the district. Mel Murray said no district funds would be used for construction and that the donors understand public-works prevailing-wage requirements.
Key board concerns and answers given - Energy and maintenance: Murray confirmed the district would pay ongoing utility and maintenance costs after the building becomes a district asset, similar to other donated facilities already on district property. - Fundraising and timing: Murray and project volunteers said construction would not begin until funds were secured and permitting was complete. - Facility use: The booster group plans to site the building behind Building B near the bus area; the district retains the right to change building use later.
Board motion and vote After discussion and requests for follow-up documentation (MOU, fundraising plan and confirmation of compliance with donation policies), the board voted to accept the donation. The board scheduled no additional conditions in the adopted motion beyond the donation acceptance but had requested the booster group and district staff to provide the additional documentation described during the discussion.
Next steps District staff will work with the booster group on permits, confirm compliance with prevailing‑wage and donation policies, and ensure an MOU or facility‑use agreement clarifies use, maintenance and timing before construction proceeds. Murray said the boosters will not start construction until fundraising is complete.
