MARCH 6, 2024:
On a 4-1 vote, the Pierre School Board has rejected (March 5, 2024) the bid for the proposed $15.7-million T.F. Riggs Athletic Addition project.
Board member Dan Cronin said he supports addressing needs, but not with this particular project.
Board member Joan Adam said along with the price tag, she’s concerned about pay increases for staff.
One of those issues is a city ordinance about parking space. There’s currently 415 spots at Riggs and board member Jessica Lewis asked Pierre School District Business Manager Darla Mayer how many more would be required.
Lewis thinks the benefits of the athletic addition are worth taking the risk.
The Pierre School District has around $10-million available for the project, but would have to finance the rest of the cost. Among the suggested ways to do that was fundraising, something board President Randy Hartmann is against, in this situation.
Another financing option would be opting out of the state property tax freeze, but board members didn’t feel there would be public support to go that route.
Those voting to reject the bids were board members Randy Hartmann, Dennis James, Joan Adam and Dan Cronin. Jessica Lewis was in favor of moving forward with the project.
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MARCH 5, 2024, UPDATE:
On a 4-1 vote, the Pierre School Board has rejected (March 5, 2024) the current bid for the proposed T.F. Riggs Athletic Addition project.
A decrease in student enrollment, being able to comply with a city ordinance that would require an additional 317 parking spots for the project, a focus on staff salaries and how to pay for the roughly $15.7-million project were among the reasons cited by board members for rejecting the bids.
Those voting to reject the bids were board members Randy Hartmann, Dennis James, Joan Adam and Dan Cronin. Jessica Lewis was in favor of moving forward with the project.
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MARCH 5, 2024:
The Pierre School Board will hold a special meeting today (March 5, 2024) at noon in the Administration Building board room.
The group will discuss the bids for the Pierre T.F. Riggs Athletic Addition project.
The meeting does include time for public comments, but those wanting to address the board must contact the Pierre School District Administrative Office in advance at 605-773-7300.
PIERRE SCHOOL DISTRICT
Special Board Meeting
School Board Room
12:00 P.M. March 5, 2024
1. Call to order
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Adopt Agenda
4. Public Comment
5. Riggs Athletic Addition Project Bids (A)
6. Adjournment
Image courtesy of the Pierre School District.
Image courtesy of the Pierre School District.
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