Board approves committee to pursue grants for White Mountain Middle School multipurpose/wrestling room with up to $150,000 district pledge

The Eagle Point School District 9 board voted May 22 to create a committee authorized to pursue outside funding using the district’s name for a proposed multipurpose space at White Mountain Middle School, including a stated district contribution of up to $150,000.

Superintendent Mister Kovacs introduced a proposed charge for a committee that would have authority to apply for grants and other outside funding and report regularly to the board. Proponent Mister Mannenbach said the space would primarily serve as a wrestling room and additional activity space and argued the district needs a formal commitment to give credibility when pursuing foundation grants.

Board members asked for clarity on whether the board was committing funds now or simply approving the committee to seek grants and report back. The superintendent and proponents said the board’s approval was to form the committee and allow the group to apply for funding while referencing a district commitment amount; final approval of design and construction would remain with the board. The committee’s charge was described as valid for one year, renewable, and supervised by the superintendent.

During discussion, a board member described current conditions at White Mountain Middle School — students using the cafeteria floor for wrestling practice and health classes — and said the proposed space (about 2,000 square feet) could be configured for classrooms and activity areas. One proponent said the intention was to pursue grants and limit the district contribution to no more than $50,000 in one comment, while the written proposal referenced up to $150,000 as the district commitment; the board retained final approval of project design and construction.

The motion to create the committee, appointed and supervised by the superintendent and including district staff and community members, passed by vote of the board members present.