Community center group asks Lead-Deadwood district to explore donating land for potential $15 million facility

Representatives of the LEED Community Center Foundation told the Lead-Deadwood School District 40-1 board that they have submitted a congressional-directed spending request for $15,000,000 and would like to explore whether a portion of district land might be used for a new community center.

The foundation representative (Community Center representative) said the group is still in an early planning phase and is seeking to "understand what may or may not be possible" before asking the district for any formal commitment. "We are currently pursuing funding through congressionally directed spending with Senator Mike Grama to the tune of $15,000,000," the representative said, asking the board to consider whether district land could play a role if the project advances.

Board members responded that they were willing to engage in conversations and to receive more-detailed, written requests, but repeatedly emphasized that the district would not commit money or land without additional information and community input. One board member suggested a letter of understanding or memorandum of understanding as an initial step to document intent without making a legal commitment; the board discussed a roughly three-month timeframe for drafting such a document.

Administrators and board members raised practical concerns the foundation had already flagged in early planning: site constraints at the originally proposed location, significant building-condition issues, and topography that made rebuilding there potentially as costly as constructing a new facility. The foundation—s representative emphasized shared use would be part of the plan, suggesting the community center could host school athletics, fitness areas, specialized spaces for programming and events, and serve as an emergency shelter or community response facility.

Board members said they wanted the foundation to undertake public outreach and provide talking points before the district would take a more formal position. "We're willing to listen and be part of the conversation, but we're not going to be ahead of our taxpayers," the Chair said, urging the foundation to clarify exactly what it would seek from the district and to return with a written proposal.

Next steps: foundation representatives said they would continue public outreach, prepare clearer written requests (including a possible memorandum of understanding), and report back. The board did not take any formal vote or make a commitment during the meeting.