Board approves 2025 bond project budgets after debate over $275,000 Mary Blair allocation
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Summary
The board unanimously approved the district’s 2025 bond project budgets amid debate about a $275,000 allocation for Mary Blair (parking lot and kitchen equipment). Staff said the funds protect the asset and prevent higher future costs; Laurie Goble asked that funds be reallocated to ADA priorities but the board approved the budgets as presented.
The Thompson School District board unanimously approved the 2025 bond project budgets after discussion about a $275,000 line item for Mary Blair.
Board director Laurie Goble asked that the $275,000 earmarked for Mary Blair be reallocated to the district’s ADA priority projects; Goble said the line item appeared to be equipment and questioned whether the district should spend money on a building that may be sold or repurposed. Todd Piccone, assistant superintendent of operations, said the allocation primarily covers the parking lot and other items (asphalt, roofing and kitchen equipment) and explained repair costs compound if deferred. Piccone said the district is conducting master‑planning work to identify future uses for Mary Blair and that selling the property is not straightforward due to its small lot size and adjacency to other district facilities.
Board members raised process questions and maintenance-backlog context; one member noted district capital needs of roughly $734 million across growth, educational enhancements and critical maintenance. After the discussion the board voted to approve the bond project budgets, including the Mary Blair allocation, with the motion carrying 7–0.
Staff said the district will continue master planning for Mary Blair and expects to return recommendations to the board later in the year about disposition and repurposing options.