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Dunlap board approves option to spend $4 million more to expand training center amid topography and cost concerns
Summary
After debate over site layout and costly topographical constraints, the Dunlap CUSD 323 board approved an option allowing up to $4 million in additional spending to expand — and possibly relocate — the Dunlap Training Center; the administration recommended alternative property purchase and not tapping reserves.
The Dunlap Community Unit School District #323 Board of Education voted May 14 to approve an option that allows the district to spend an additional $4 million to expand and potentially move the planned Dunlap Training Center, after debating topographical risks, per‑square‑foot cost estimates and funding sources.
Superintendent Dr. Scott Dearman told the board the administration does not support flipping the building layout to put the parking lot along Cedar Hills because doing so would require substantial earthwork — including a projected 17‑foot retaining wall and a 28‑foot building elevation — and would raise construction costs to an estimated $193–$493 per square foot. Instead, Dr. Dearman said the administration recommended pursuing purchase of nearby property and seeking alternative funding rather than drawing on district reserves.
Board President Tom Feldman reintroduced the layout options that had first been discussed in April, including keeping the current plan and exploring acquisition of adjacent property to create an additional entrance. Theresa Holshouser asked for the administration's recommendation; Dr. Dearman summarized the technical and financial concerns that led staff to oppose flipping the site.
The motion offered by Tom Feldman — to approve the option that permits the board to spend an additional $4 million to expand and possibly move the training center — was seconded by Andrew Tyra. Roll call recorded five votes in favor (Boudjarane, Feldman, M. Hall, Tyra, Yemm) and two opposed (Wagenbach, Holshouser); the motion carried.
Minutes record discussion of transparency and prior conversations with architects and construction professionals, as well as concern about the financial impact on district reserves. The board directed next steps consistent with the approved option and moved the remainder of the meeting to the Dunlap District Office to continue facilities work.
The minutes contain two internal inconsistencies recorded in the meeting document: the header lists the meeting start time as 5:00 p.m., but the minutes state Dr. Dearman called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.; and the signature block at the end of the minutes lists ‘Weekle President Mick Hall, Secretary,’ which conflicts with an earlier identification of Tom Feldman as Board President in the same document. The minutes do not resolve those discrepancies.
