Board approves release of edited press release documenting pool finances, with requested edits

The Unified School District of Antigo board voted unanimously to release a draft press release dated Sept. 3, 2026, that summarizes the district's attachments and accounting related to the Claire R. McKenna Aquatic Center. The motion included an amendment to edit a paragraph some members considered inflammatory.

One member proposed striking a paragraph that referenced local media allegations; another member proposed a compromise amendment to end the sentence after the word "truth" and strike the remaining clause. After discussion about tone and public perception, the board voted to adopt the compromise edit and then unanimously approved the amended draft for release.

Board supporters said the document is transparent and does not assign blame; opponents argued it should be more measured to avoid inflaming public tensions. The chair also asked members to submit questions for a Donovan Group community survey by a stated deadline so the board could consider a possible fund-80 levy question or other funding options at an upcoming meeting.

Staff will attach the exhibits referenced during the meeting to the press-release packet and make them available to the public, per multiple board requests.