At its November regular meeting the Worthington Public School District board voted to indicate interest in allowing the City of Worthington to explore siting a proposed ice arena on district-owned land, with administration recommending that the district retain ownership and lease the facility to the city.

Board members and staff described two possible West-side sites near the learning center and the intermediate school and discussed educational uses — for example, year‑round ice access and turfing the floor when not used for skating — that could benefit students. Administration and city representatives have received multiple proposals, including one from a local contractor that proposed a new facility rather than a remodel. Board members said private contractors had offered cost estimates substantially lower than earlier bids, and staff noted the project still faces a roughly $1,000,000 funding shortfall.

During the discussion trustees emphasized protecting district interests: retaining land ownership, spelling out how students would get access during and after the school day, and ensuring other stakeholders share costs. One board member asked that any value assigned to land be counted as part of the district's $5,000,000 commitment; administration clarified the district would likely lease land rather than sell it and that gifting land value could increase the project's funding gap.

A motion by Matt, seconded by Lori, to indicate district interest in hosting the arena on district property passed by voice vote. The motion does not bind the district to a final location or sale; it authorizes the city to continue planning that includes district property as a potential site. Next steps discussed included further fact finding by the city, additional committee review at the district level, and future negotiation of specific terms covering access, maintenance and any in‑kind value of land.