The Manitowoc School District Board of Education on Tuesday voted to table a motion that would have authorized up to a $500,000 loan from Fund 46 to cover contractor bills for the Lincoln baseball complex's remaining bathroom and concession work.

Board members pressed staff for specifics about Fund 46 eligibility and the liquidity of pledged donations before agreeing to act. Business manager Nathan (Nate) said he needs time to confirm alignment between the long-term capital improvement plan and the project's use of Fund 46 and to consult Department of Public Instruction guidance.

"Fund 46 was created in 2013 and requires a five- and 10-year capital plan," a director said, noting statutory constraints and that the district must show proper use to get investment returns. The facilities committee chair argued the loan would be a short-term measure: contractors need to be paid now and donor reimbursements would follow.

Fundraising volunteers told the board the campaign has raised $1,292,650 to date and that additional naming rights, fence sponsorships and concession naming remain available. "We do still have funds coming in," Bruce Steinmacher said, and outlined steps the committee is taking to secure remaining pledges.

Several board members reacted to public comments urging more transparency. Amy Fenis, a community fundraiser, told the board she was "very disappointed or at least frustrated with the $500,000" shortfall and asked for clearer repayment conditions and checkpoints on projects that rely on pledged donations.

After an extended discussion about what pledges are signed, how many dollars are immediately available and what Fund 46 allows, a motion to table was moved and seconded. The board approved tabling the request and asked staff and the fundraising committee to return with documentation on actual receipts, outstanding pledges and recommended Fund 46 language before reconsidering the loan.

Next steps: the facilities committee and the district business office will compile the list of received funds versus multiyear pledges, a timeline for remaining fundraising, and recommended Fund 46 plan language for the board to review at a future meeting.

Action: motion to table the Fund 46 loan request — tabled; board requested detailed financial and legal documentation before reconsideration.