The District 205 Board of Education discussed the layout of the new Silas Willard parking lot and ultimately tabled it.
The parking lot would be situated directly at the corner of Fremont and Seminary Streets, and involve some renovation work to the lane that runs off Fremont.
Some questions came up regarding the architectural drawings of the lot and distance between the parking lot surface and the sidewalks and roads.
Board member Wayne Statham spoke regarding his disappointment with the lack of green space in the design. “And I know how important parking is. It’s just [when we] voted to tear down the building I had just hoped to beautify the campus rather than just blacktop it,” he said to the board.
Discussion also included the elimination of the four southern parking spaces that would add more space for grass and trees.
The school board also approved the registration fees for the upcoming academic school year.
The board approved the 2018/19 School Year fees unanimously.
Most of the discussion on the item was on the activity and parking fees.
Superintendent Dr. John Asplund gave the board his thoughts on the fees, “So we’re not recommending to raise registration fees. Those are recommended to stay the same. If you want reinstate the activity fees, I would once again… I understand your point, but if we’re going to tie that to the timestamp… that’s a problem.”
The board reinstated the optional activities fees on a three-tiered system: $5 for elementary students, $10 for junior high students, and $15 for high school students.
Additionally the board approved the increase of the parking fees for the high school to $25. They were originally $20.
The board discussed and ultimately tabled the F&M Bank naming rights for the athletic complex after the board received some documents too late to look at before the meeting.
Last night Athletic Director Jeff Flater turned in his resignation after three years with the district.
