**EDIT: There has been a clarification that the pledged money was not meant for new construction, but instead intended for the existing West Gym.
Tavia Jean
Breeze-Courier Writer
(TAYLORVILLE) — The Taylorville School Board’s Building Committee meeting at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 2, in the district office board room at 1100 North Sportsman Drive. On behalf of the Taylorville Sports Booster Club, Carl Niemann and Tonya Bowsher offered $100,000 to install air conditioning in the new gym, which is part of the building project.
Maintenance Director Steve Walters provided an update regarding projects, quotes and schedules regarding the building project. Walters reminded the building committee that repairs to old-school plumbing, roofing, HVAC and other maintenance upgrades will need to occur over the next few years. Therefore, the school board should consider these required repairs during the building project.
The committee heard a progress report for the current classroom construction update, an update on the building project status and the history of the building project. Board President Brenda Patrick explained how built-in Hoyer lifts should be considered for the Special Education class. The district has access to a portable Hoyer lift, but a built-in Hoyer lift provides more stability and safety for the required movement of students who need help.
There was a discussion regarding district finances accessible for the project. The building committee reviewed the meeting minutes and the architect’s renderings for the project. The committee agreed upon recommending building options A or B for the gym with stages to expand to follow to the full school board.
Dr. Ronald Mizer voted against the recommendation. The meeting adjourned at 5:04 p.m. The next Taylorville School Board meeting will be Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023.
