By Michael S. Hoey
Correspondent
The Delavan-Darien School Board approved a new course proposal to add auto mechanics beginning in 2017-18. Delavan-Darien High School Principal Jim Karedes said interest in the course is very high.
The proposal was originally on the agenda at the Dec. 14 meeting but the board wanted more information to go along with the $25,000 to $50,000 that the program might cost the district to institute. Karedes came back on Monday night with a proposal for just $3,440.
Karedes said the original proposal was for getting the program launched and the cost of running it for three years. In December, board members talked about getting community businesses to support the program. Karedes said the new $3,440 cost is the cost of getting the program up and running. He said several local businesses have indicated there is a shortage of good internship candidates in the area and many of those businesses would be willing to invest in the program if the board showed support for it. He believed some of the later costs of the program will be funded by those businesses.
Teacher Mike Fellin, a candidate to teach the course, said this area is very service-oriented and the course would be a way to keep students in the district. Karedes said a survey in which 305 students responded showed that 105 students would definitely take the course if it were offered.
The board approved the course with four sections to be offered in the fall of 2017. Karedes said the goal is to grow the program into a full-time teaching position. Superintendent Robert Crist said the course was important to add as the district continues to try its best to meet the needs of all students.
Energy project approved
The board approved several energy efficiency projects and the borrowing to pay for them. The board originally approved borrowing up to $11 million for energy efficiency projects on Feb. 8. To date, $8.9 million has been borrowed and allocated for projects across the district, most of which were completed last summer.
The new projects include roofing, windows, doors, lighting and water conservation. The biggest project will be replacing the boilers at Phoenix Middle School. The board approved borrowing $2.05 million to complete the projects.
Football co-op approved
The board approved a cooperative agreement with Williams Bay for football. The two districts had an unofficial agreement last year that allowed five Williams Bay players to play in the Comet program. Because the agreement was not formalized, those players could not play for the varsity team.
Athletic Director Guy Otte said he expected about 10 Williams Bay players to join the Comets this year, and they will be eligible to play varsity. Otte said the Williams Bay School Board alreadv approved the agreement, and it still needs the approval of the Southern Lakes Conference and the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association.
$3.1 million deficit
The board decided at the December meeting not to pursue a referendum in April because there was not enough time to organize it and demonstrate to the public what improvements the district has made to warrant further investment by the public. Business Administrator Mark Bradley told the board the district faces a deficit for 2017-18 of $3.1 million and must begin the discussion on how to close that gap. Bradley said that could include a referendum in November of 2017 or April of 2018 or a look at district programs, compensation, staffing or another loan from the state trust fund.
