By Eileen Persike
Editor

The Rhinelander School Board received an update on the Hodag Sports Complex at Monday’s meeting. John Kneer of construction management firm Rettler Corporation told the board the project is on schedule, including production of the fabric dome.

“We’re very pleased with the progress that’s being made with all the earth work that’s being moved right now, with the dome being in production in St. Louis right now – it’s very exciting to know that,” Kneer said. “Every last detail is being attended to at this moment so when we do bring that to inflate in September as scheduled that it has every last detail down to the netting on the inside, looked at and thought about.”

The synthetic turf will be in production soon; storm sewer work, other utility work, electrical, a storage building and control room and the connecting addition to the concession and restroom building is also on track, Kneer said.

The Hodag Schools Foundation, which raised more than $2 million for future upkeep on the complex, presented the school board with a check for more than $320,000.

“We want to thank our donors,” said HSF president David Heck. “Special congratulations and thank you to the school board for your leadership. This is a major investment for the future and it’s been just positive, positive, great comments about the future, so thank you to all of you.”

HSF board member Julie Bronson added, “I want to thank you, too, for having this positive thing going on in a not-so-positive world.”

The dome is expected to be ready for use in September.

IN OTHER BUSINESS

• Open enrollment applications were accepted for 38 students requesting enrollment out of SDR and 13 students enrolling into the district.
• Board approved spending $75,486 to pave a portion of the driving/parking area behind James Williams Middle School. The work will be completed by Musson Bros. of Rhinelander, when the company paves the new sports complex parking area.
• Board approved purchase of adequate handicapped accessible playground equipment and a poured rubber surface for the Crescent Elementary School playground. Cost is $73,603 and will be completed by Lee Recreations, LLC of Cambridge.

Board president Ron Counter congratulated Superintendent Kelli Jacobi on her upcoming retirement.

“I’ve had a wonderful career in Rhinelander and I made sure Eric knew today that he’s coming in to a district with a very caring, supportive board and that you (board members) understand we’re all here about the kids and that has to be our priority, so he’s coming into a great situation,” Jacobi said.

It was announced that administrative secretary Jane Walkowski is also retiring this month. Walkowski has been with the district 31 years. Shelley Anderson, previously the secretary at James Williams Middle School and Rhinelander High School activities office, was introduced as her replacement. Eric Burke will step in as superintendent after being hired by school board in February.