Board signals preference for Site 3 behind high school as track location; fundraising, architect drawings next

The Jefferson School District 14J board discussed potential locations for a new track and competition field and expressed support, in principle, for selecting Site 3 (behind the high school) as the first‑choice option.

A presenter from the track committee (Speaker 7) reviewed the committee's ranking of three candidate sites. He explained Site 3 would allow the district to use existing high‑school locker rooms for events, reduce the need to open multiple facilities during meets, and make it easier to continue practices while construction occurs. "Site 3 is our first choice," the presenter said, adding that Site 2 (parallel to the pool) is a fallback if Site 3 proves infeasible.

The presenter described next steps: gather public input, consult coaches and school staff, produce a refined architect's drawing (the architect named in discussion as Dennis Tower), and begin fundraising. He said new track locations will require regrading and drainage work and that the committee will pursue community fundraising and seek outside partners.

Board members asked about relative cost differences among sites; the presenter said initial assessments suggest costs would be similar because any option requires substantial regrading and new drainage systems. The board did not take a formal vote on a site selection but asked staff to proceed with further study, solicit community feedback and bring refined cost and design estimates to a future work session.

Next steps: the board will review architect drawings and fundraising plans and may formalize a site choice after additional cost estimates and public engagement.