ROCORI board approves $900 donation, long-term facilities plan and advances levy renewal

ROCORI Public School District trustees voted July 13 to accept a $900 donation from the Farming Lions Club for new tennis nets, approve the district's long-term facilities maintenance (LTFM) plan and pass a resolution to begin the process of renewing the expiring capital projects levy.

The board approved the donation and the LTFM plan by roll-call votes after motions were made and seconded. A staff presenter told trustees the LTFM plan prioritizes HVAC work, wash stations and drinking fountains, main school doors, elevator upkeep and flooring projects; the district also has some unspent bond funds from an HVAC project that could be applied to additional units.

The levy resolution passed after staff explained the levy's purpose and financial impact. The technology portion of the capital projects levy currently generates roughly $400,000 a year, the presenter said, and the average homeowner has been paying about $59 annually; the resolution asks voters to renew the 10-year authorization so it would pick up again in 2028. Board members discussed running the question with the general election to reduce costs and noted past referendum margins as context.

The board also approved the renewal of the district's membership with Resource Training & Solutions, a service cooperative that provides professional development and acts as an intermediary for state services.

The board set next steps for the levy resolution: staff will notify the county to schedule the special election and begin community outreach and informational mailings. No public visitors spoke during the meeting on these items.

The board adjourned into a closed session to conclude the meeting.