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Board approves SOP, budget amendments and bleachers; debates fundraising repayment and long‑term capital plan
Summary
The board adopted a standard operating procedure for donations and facilities work, approved multiple budget amendments (including common school funds and baseball field items), voted to purchase ADA‑compliant bleachers from Southern Bleacher Company and approved concession work contingent on fundraising reimbursement; debate centered on whether district or fundraisers should pay for bleachers.
The Manitowoc School District board approved several finance and facilities actions after extended committee briefings and debate.
Adopted SOP for donations and facilities work: The board approved a superintendent‑recommended standard operating procedure to consolidate processes for donations and facilities work management. Board members said the SOP ties existing policies together and creates a consistent path for reviewing donor projects and capital work. The motion was moved by David Bowman and seconded by Anne Olsen and passed unanimously.
Audit and budget amendments: Nathan Coleman summarized the district audit, reporting an underspend of $2.68 million for fiscal 2024–25 that improved the general fund balance. The board approved a $47,650 common school funds budget amendment to account for increased revenue and corresponding expenses.
Baseball field and related expenditures: The finance and facilities committee moved to use part of the underspent general fund to pay for several baseball‑field expenditures and associated costs, with a stipulation that donor funds be routed correctly when reimbursing district accounts. Board discussion clarified that donated dollars intended for field improvements would be recorded in fund 409 and repay the district once received.
Bleachers and concessions: Staff presented two bleacher quotes and reported a substantially lower bid from Southern Bleacher Company. The board debated whether bleachers are appropriately a fundraising expense or a district responsibility because ADA compliance is required. An amendment to force immediate fundraising repayment failed; the original motion — district purchase of ADA‑compliant bleachers from Southern — passed on a voice/roll‑call vote. The board also approved concession‑stand work with a stipulation that the fundraising committee reimburse the district when funds are available.
Long‑term capital plan: After finding many earlier items carried over from prior board plans, trustees voted to rescind the previous long‑term capital plan and directed administration and finance to propose a refreshed, prioritized list of projects for Fund 46 with a rolling replacement process.
Next steps: Staff agreed to publish SOP guidance as appropriate, provide more detailed reconciliations and follow up on project‑level budgets and fundraising timelines. The meeting concluded with a motion to enter closed session under Wisconsin Statutes §19.85(1)(e) to discuss negotiating public property and compensation strategies.
