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Freeman School Board approves well project, new teachers and allows sixth graders in junior-high football
Summary
The Freeman School Board voted to proceed with drilling a well on district grounds, approved hiring two full-time elementary teachers for 2026–27 and to post a 0.75 FTE art teacher, and authorized sixth graders to play on the junior-high football team; officials also reviewed stadium bid timelines and approved the 2026–27 calendar.
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, and a maximum scenario of about $110,000 if drilling must go to the greatest depth. The board discussed removing the need for a cistern if a well is installed and noted potential impacts to an already advertised construction bid schedule.
The meeting also addressed staffing. The elementary principal (title in transcript: Elementary principal) presented projected enrollments — including students expected to transfer from Freeman Academy — and recommended hiring two full-time teachers for the fourth–sixth grade rotation to avoid overcrowded classrooms. The motion to add two full-time elementary educators for 2026–27 was moved and approved by voice vote.
On fine arts staffing, the board discussed restoring an in-person art option that had been provided online. Business manager (title in transcript: Business manager) said a half-time (0.5 FTE) position would be feasible, but board members favored a broader posting; the board voted to post a 0.75 FTE part-time art teacher position for Freeman Junior–Senior High School to cover 7–12 and some elementary rotation.
Athletics and participation: To address low junior-high football numbers, the board considered allowing sixth graders to practice and play with the junior-high squad. Some board members expressed concern about younger students displacing older players in competitive roles, but members agreed that limited participation could help sustain the program. The motion to include sixth graders in junior-high football was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.
Facilities and calendar: Facilities staff reported the stadium temporary bleachers were dismantled and reassembled for short-term use while demolition and reconstruction proceed. The district scheduled a phase 2 pre-bid walkthrough for the project and set the bid deadline for March 26 at 2 p.m. The board completed a second reading of the 2026–27 district calendar, agreed to convert one day to a student contact day (April 23) and approved the calendar.
Votes at a glance (voice votes): - Agenda amendment and approval — approved by voice vote. - Consent agenda (minutes, personnel item, finances) — approved by voice vote. - Approve drilling a well on school grounds — approved by voice vote. - Approve hiring two full-time elementary educators for 2026–27 — approved by voice vote. - Post for a 0.75 FTE part-time art teacher (Freeman Jr.–Sr. High) — approved by voice vote. - Allow sixth graders to participate in junior-high football — approved by voice vote. - Approve 2026–27 district calendar (second reading) — approved by voice vote. - Approve surplus items and special meeting April 1 — approved by voice vote.
What’s next: The district will proceed with well-drilling plans and continue coordination around the Phase 2 stadium bid process (walkthrough scheduled; bids due March 26). The board also scheduled a special meeting for teacher negotiations on April 1.
Attributions: Quotes and factual assertions in this article are taken from the meeting transcript. Speakers are cited by the role or title used in the transcript when a personal name was not explicitly provided.
