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Koenig family gives $450,000 to Fremont City Schools; board green-lights robotics investment and greenhouse plan
Summary
The Fremont City School Board accepted a $450,000 gift from the Lee and Koenig Legacy Fund to support three projects — robotics/STEM programming, a greenhouse behind Ross High School and performing-arts upgrades — and approved a separate $217,000 equipment purchase tied to the robotics program.
The Fremont City School Board on a unanimous roll call vote accepted a $450,000 donation from the Lee and Koenig Legacy Fund and approved a related $217,000 purchase to launch a robotics lab and other district projects.
Superintendent Hertz told the board the legacy fund was established to honor Lee Koenig and that the family identified three priority areas: performing-arts center support, a permanent greenhouse and robotics/STEM investments. "The Lee and Koenig Legacy Fund has been established to honor the legacy of Lee Koenig, whose dedication to Fremont City Schools and to the entire Fremont community has spanned years of service and leadership," Hertz said when presenting the gift.
Hertz said the district expects the robotics investment to let students "earn that industry credential" and align program pathways with local manufacturing partners. The board and staff discussed sustainability and upkeep; a board member asked whether the district would develop a formal plan to keep technology current, and Hertz and staff said training and community partnerships are part of their plan.
Officials described how CTE (career-technical education) funds and the Koenig gift will be prioritized together. The treasurer explained CTE dollars are earmarked for career-technical programs and that the district will track purchases and appropriations through a special cost center tied to the legacy fund.
The greenhouse will be built behind Ross High School, adjacent to the engineering lab and practice field, and district staff said it will be a permanent structure used for plant-science and agricultural instruction. Hertz confirmed the greenhouse location will not displace essential practice areas for band; the practice area will shift modestly but "there is plenty of space there."
Board members thanked the Koenig family and the Fremont Area Foundation; the $6,000 gift from the Fremont Area Foundation for student spirit and ticketing was approved alongside the Koenig gift. The board approved all related motions by roll call.
