Freeman School Board approves well project, new teachers and allows sixth graders in junior-high football

The Freeman School Board voted Wednesday to move ahead with drilling a water well on district grounds, approved staff increases for the elementary school for the 2026–27 school year, and agreed to allow sixth graders to participate on the junior-high football team.

The actions came after a lengthy discussion of costs, logistics and student participation during the board’s regular meeting. Superintendent (title in transcript: Superintendent) recommended skipping a preliminary $10,000–$12,000 test hole and committing immediately to drilling to avoid duplicate expenses, saying, “My recommendation would be that we do not pay the 10,000 or 12,000 … that we go right into drilling.” Board members then moved and approved the well project by voice vote.

Why it matters: Board leaders said a well could reduce recurring water expenses and insulate school operations from city water restrictions. The superintendent presented three cost tiers previously quoted to the district: a lowest option just over $40,000, a mid option near $60,000,…