By Carleen Wild
Moody County Enterprise
If you walked into the Colman-Egan School Board meeting this week, you may have noticed something different before a single word was spoken.
The board wasn’t sitting in its usual configuration.
With more residents tuning in — and more showing up in person — board members rearranged their seating so they were facing those in attendance rather than angled toward one another. It may seem like a small thing. But amid heightened attention around a proposed football and track and field complex, that small shift was noticeable.
Through that change — along with individual meetings held over the past couple of weeks with neighboring landowners — there are signs that, just maybe, the temperature is easing a bit.
During the open forum, neighbors who have previously expressed frustration with what they say has been a process lacking inclusion shared appreciation for recent outreach. Several noted that school board members and Superintendent Scott Hemmer visited them in their homes for one-on-one conversations.
The goal? To listen. And to answer questions that have been lingering for months.
“In my opinion, those types of meetings were very productive,” said Terry Stulken. “The discussion seemed to indicate that more than one option was on the table for both the site and the design of the new facility. That was a refreshing change from the ‘my-way-or-the-highway’ vibe we received in our earlier discussions,” he added, sharing that he hopes continued conversations might lead to common ground and support for a facility that benefits not only students, but the broader community.
Others echoed that appreciation and said they hope the community can ultimately come together around something positive.
The likely location of the complex, however, remains a sticking point. Questions continue regarding traffic flow and the long-term impact to nearby homes, even as discussions broaden.
At the close of the meeting, the board approved a construction manager at risk (CMaR) contract with Puetz Design & Build Company for the proposed athletic complex. The contract references an amount “to be determined,” pending further design work. Full contract details will be available once finalized and signed.
In other business, the district shared updates on a new mentorship initiative — similar in spirit to a Big Brothers Big Sisters-style program — being launched as part of a student’s senior project. Thirty-four elementary students have signed up to be paired with 20 high school mentors, with additional interest from students hoping to participate.
Administrators are also working with the Moody County Sheriff’s Office on a mock accident exercise this spring aimed at educating students about safe decision-making.
Exterior lighting on campus — particularly in parking areas — is being reviewed to ensure safety while also being mindful of neighboring properties.
The board approved next year’s school calendar and recognized Feb. 16–20 as ASBSD School Board Recognition Week, honoring board members across the state for their service.
Leave a Reply