Board limits action to Waterloo bond project; superintendent denies ISD‑purchase rumor

Superintendent Scholl framed the Waterloo discussion by telling trustees that, as stated last spring, the only item for formal action tonight would be the Waterloo bond project. "The board tonight will only be taking action on Waterloo bond project. Nothing else," Scholl said, asking the board to confine any vote to that scope.

Scholl also addressed a circulating rumor about the ISD purchasing the Waterloo building. "That's complete falsehood," Scholl said, denying that the ISD had been recommended to buy the building and clarifying that the ISD had been invited to discuss preschool programming and GSRP/Head Start operations. The ISD presentation, Scholl said, was intended to show how the ISD runs early‑learning programs and why the district partners with the ISD for preschool rather than leasing or operating those rooms alone.

Board members reviewed the ISD lease footprint and revenue. Staff reported Arborwood has five leased classrooms for ISD programs and Riverside has five classrooms plus common areas; current lease revenue was cited at $5,500 per month (about $66,000 annually). Staff explained the fiscal and administrative tradeoffs if Monroe were to take over GSRP programming: the district would need to write and manage grants, hire staff, comply with restrictive reimbursement rules and potentially convert general‑fund rental revenue into restricted grant revenue. Trustees asked staff to provide a per‑room cost estimate and an analysis of custodial/maintenance and utility costs tied to leased preschool rooms if the board wants to evaluate a change to the arrangement.