Monroe School Board approves motorized hoist for new performing arts center, defers other field upgrades

The Monroe School District Board of Education voted to install a motorized electric hoist in the new high school performing arts center, a decision staff said improves stage safety and is time‑sensitive while rigging and electrical contractors are on site.

Board discussion centered on funding sources and timing. District staff reported about $920,000 in uncommitted project funds (not touching owner or construction contingency) and presented a prioritized list of potential add‑ons that included varsity baseball and softball lighting and stage upgrades. Joe Monroe, speaking for district facilities staff, said many finishes are now going in and that adding hoists while rigging contractors remain on site reduces retrofit costs. Ron (district facilities staff) and the district’s owner‑rep described the practical benefits of installing motorized hoists now rather than retrofitting manual counterweight systems later.

Some board members urged fiscal caution and recommended waiting another month to monitor contingency usage; others stressed time sensitivity for stage work. A motion to approve the motorized electric hoist (line item #3 on the staff list) was moved and seconded and carried by voice vote. The vote drew one recorded dissent from board member Mike Frosta.

The board did not finalize spending on varsity field lights and agreed to return those items for further cost and timing analysis at a future meeting. Staff said underground conduit and many bases for field lighting have already been roughed in; work on outfield base pads (in grass areas) was deferred earlier and will be reconsidered.

Next steps: staff will document contract and scheduling details for the hoist installation and present follow‑up cost estimates and timing for additional items (such as field lights) at an upcoming board meeting.