Board authorizes up to $25,000 from capital outlay for Diamond Club fields, with expectation of repayment

The Stewartville Public School District board approved a motion Feb. 23 to authorize up to $25,000 from capital outlay to keep the Diamond Club softball and baseball project on schedule after rising expenses and fundraising shortfalls.

Administration told the board that equipment and construction costs are higher than anticipated and that the Diamond Club is continuing to raise funds. Staff said the district has capital outlay funds available to avoid delaying the project and noted the club has previously helped with similar projects. “If they raise more than what is needed, then we’re gonna not have to dip into this $25,000,” a staff member said, adding the district appreciated the Diamond Club’s contributions.

Board members pressed for clarity about repayment if the club’s fundraising reaches the target. One board member proposed adding language that the funds be provided “with the expectation that the additional funds will be repaid to the district.” Staff and other board members agreed that expectation should be included in the motion. The revised motion—authorizing the additional funds with the expectation of repayment—was moved and seconded; a roll‑call vote recorded unanimous approval (5–0).

The board’s action allows project procurement to proceed by an early June ordering timeline cited by staff. Board members and staff said the Diamond Club continues to pursue grants, donor commitments and potential in‑kind labor donations that could reduce the district’s additional cost.