About two dozen parents in total outside two different schools said Wednesday the decision took them by surprise, since they respect the district's top leader.
In an area with multiple large rivers, school officials often have a sturdy defense for sinking large amounts of money into aging school swimming pools.
NICOLE LAUER
After months of consideration, Rock Island-Milan School Board members agreed Tuesday the best place for a new central office building is downtown at 20th Street and 7th Avenue.
Board members voted to approve the $7.6 million project that is set to include 15,000 square feet for administration offices, 15,000 square feet for warehouse space and 5,000 square feet for a production kitchen. All present board members approved the choice, with board member Tiffany Stoner-Harris absent.
The district will use reserves from the operations and maintenance fund and working cash fund to pay for the project.
Previously the district was set to include the production kitchen as part of a $12.2 million high school project that also included a secure entry, a new administrative suite, cafeteria/commons renovation and addition and sitework upgrades.