District operations staff told the board that three recent athletics and facilities projects were completed or nearing completion using interest earnings from the district’s 2018 referendum, not the district general fund.

Assistant Superintendent Jared Rausing said the Bob Jores Aquatic Center work had an original budget of $600,000 and that donations of about $44,500 funded starting blocks and plaques; the district’s portion from referenced interest funds was reported at about $555,000. Improvements included a replaced pool deck and pool floor, new starting blocks and updated diving stands, new pumps and controllers integrated with HVAC to improve air exchange, painting and the addition of bleacher railings to improve accessibility. Rausing said the upgrades were finished in time for the girls swim and dive season.

Rausing also reported completion of a new natural-grass softball field on district property, playable next spring. He said the project pivoted away from artificial turf because of subsurface conditions; the site sits on an old landfill so substantial soil removal and regrading were required. He described masonry dugouts, storage, field lighting, a press box, a 175-seat bleacher system, four batting tunnels and irrigation. Rausing said that the larger outdoor-venue projects were funded through the 2018 referendum interest and that the softball project’s higher cost was driven largely by earthwork and remediation.

The district said it rebuilt the tennis complex to expand viewing areas, add stormwater retention and improve circulation; the tennis work was reported as completing in August 2025 with a budget around $1,600,000 and "$1,000 remaining." Rausing noted both tennis and athletic projects are being tracked closely as final invoices arrive.

Board members pressed staff on cost drivers and annual maintenance; staff replied the district will manage maintenance with existing personnel and agreed to provide a follow-up estimate on ongoing maintenance costs. Staff also agreed to share before/after photos for board members who requested them.

The board did not allocate general-fund operating money for these projects during this meeting; all three projects were described as funded from referendum interest proceeds.