by Lori Adler, reporter

The Rhinelander School Board met Monday and made two important decisions regarding the future of sports in the district.

According to Superintendent Kelli Jacobi, the board unanimously approved up to $5.7 million for an indoor practice facility. The facility will either be a steel building or an air-supported dome. Presentations regarding each type of facility will be made to the board “hopefully yet this month,” Superintendent Jacobi stated. The presentations for the facility options are tentatively scheduled for June 24. It is anticipated that after the presentations, the board will likely have questions or may need to gather more information before making a final selection.

When asked if the school district would need to go to the taxpayers for the money for this project, Superintendent Jacobi replied that there is a “plan for where to pull that money” so no taxpayer contribution will be necessary. She explained that the money will come from the current budget and will include some donation money as well as an excess in the maintenance fund.

In addition to the practice facility, the board also approved new turf for the football field. The turf will be installed this summer and will be ready in time for fall sports.