By Eileen Persike
Editor

As site preparation work continues for the Hodag Sports Complex, the School District of Rhinelander Board of Education and Superintendent Kelli Jacobi are discussing naming rights to the various sports venues within the complex.

The Hodag Schools Foundation (HSF), which has secured nearly $2 million in donations toward the project, has provided the board with suggested naming rights. Jacobi said the tennis courts, track, turf field, softball park and both fields may be named after contributors. Per school district policy the board has the right to name facilities after major contributors without whom new facilities would not have been possible. The exact type of signage has not been determined. Naming rights will be announced in June.

At the May 18 regular meeting, the board authorized Jacobi to approve naming rights up until the end of the school year, June 30. It is expected the signage will be completed prior to the opening of the complex facilities in the fall.
In March the school board approved contracts for general site construction and building construction, as well as alternate bids for softball field upgrades, reconstruction of a baseball field and pedestrian lighting. The total cost currently stands at $8.34 million for the complex. The project began with a $500,000 donation in 2019 from Rhinelander resident Dr. Lee Swank.

Other school district news

Superintendent Jacobi announced the donation of a parcel of land by Gerry and Michelle Riopel to the district. The 2.7 acre parcel is located on Acacia Lane across from James Williams Middle School. Jacobi said the land is large enough and appropriate for building construction purposes and will also be beneficial to students for environmental and science studies. The assessed value of the property is $56,700. The deed to the land has been signed and will be filed with the register of deeds now that the school board has approved the acceptance of the donation.