By Dave Fidlin
Correspondent
Exterior facilities have become a hot topic in the Union Grove Union High School District as officials once again grapple with the thought of going out to referendum and planning for the future.
District Administrator Al Mollerskov and other school officials will be soliciting community feedback at a meeting this Monday, Jan. 30, as the prospect of once again improving the high school athletic fields bubbles to the surface.
In September 2010, a referendum question that called for replacement of the existing athletic field was defeated on a narrow 55-45 percent margin. Had it moved forward, district officials would have made a number of improvements to the field, including placement of artificial turf and a rubberized track, as well as addition of more drainage pipes to address ongoing flooding problems.
A separate referendum question, asking for authority to improve the science labs at the high school, was approved on a 62-38 percent margin at the same time.
“There has been a lot of support from people showing up at our meetings,” Mollerskov said of going out to referendum once again for the athletic fields. “But I also know there is some opposition in the community. Reaction has been somewhat mixed.”
In an effort not to have history repeat itself, high school officials will be asking meeting participants to opine on what components of the athletic field improvements should be included in the referendum.
In addition to turf and track improvements and drainage enhancements, the bucket list of possible projects at the athletic field – used primarily for soccer and football games – includes new lighting fixtures and adding bleachers.
“Basically, we’re looking to modify our bid,” Mollerskov said.
A less-pressing issue at the high school is the possible purchase of a land directly to the east of the building. An Illinois man owns 120 acres of land near the high school with plans to build homes on the parcels.
Mollerskov said the high school could be interested in purchasing up to 40 of those acres from the man. The high school currently sits on 19 acres, Mollerskov said, and the state Department of Public Instruction recommends it be on at least 40 acres.
“At this point, we’re awaiting a final appraisal of the land,” Mollerskov said. “This is something that’s a little further down the trail.”
If the high school were to purchase the land, it could be used for either a building expansion or to increase athletic field space.
IF YOU GO…
WHAT: referendum planning meeting for proposed athletic field improvements at Union Grove High School
WHEN: 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 30
WHERE: District Office Board Room at Union Grove High School, 3433 S. Colony Ave.
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We all want the best for our children. If they play sports we want everything possible to make them successful. If they are in band, we want the same things. The problem lies in the cost of what these football field upgrades would cost plus the 40 acres. Many people are doing everything possible to pay for their own homes, let alone another 40 acres for a sport. Balance! That is what we must consider during these difficult economic times. If the band wanted to spend 30M on their program, do you think the board would even put it up for a vote? NO! Yet music is a “graded” program, extracurricular activities are not and the public needs to remind themselves of this. What does athletics cost the home owner of a 150K house?(uniforms, paid coaches, fields, insurance, busing, etc) What do the arts cost that some home owner? I’m aware I’ll get a few peoples undies in a bundle but as a homeowner I’m concerned when the School Boards will understand the importance of “balance” and “educational” needs!
The sad part is they do NOT advertise their referendums well enough and many times hold them when its difficult for the elderly to get out and vote. WE need well balanced children! If band programs need to host fund raisers, then so should every activity!