Spencer board approves batting cage purchase

The Spencer School Board has approved a purchase to help athletes in spring sports sharpen their skills.

“When we moved the dome and rearranged things, the baseball and softball field lost their batting cages so we’re looking to use some of those funds to replace the batting cages for those,” said District Administrator Mike Endreas at the Sept. 20 annual meeting, which occurred right before the regular board meeting.

The school district received a quote for two double-lane cages for $83,930 or two single-lane cages for $55,540. The quotes are for materials and labor, including running electricity to the cages for pitching machines. The board opted to go with the two double-lane cages.

“The poles would be concreted in and then the surface would be the same dirt that is used for the field, as opposed to getting carpet or anything like that,” Endreas said.

He talked about using money from funds 46 and 49, both of which are part of the Capital Projects Fund, to pay for the project. He said the district could use the remaining balances of $23,387 in Fund 49 and approximately $50,000 from Fund 46, which has money already transferred from the General Fund, plus additional money from the General Fund, to cover the cost.

“It’s not like there’s a money concern in covering this cost,” said Endreas.

“But it’s also a significant amount,” said board president Jordan Buss.

“Yeah, it’s nothing to sneeze at; that’s for sure,” agreed Endreas.

Endreas also gave the option of the district paying for $70,000, which would pretty well clean up funds 46 and 49, and leaving the baseball and softball teams to fundraise the remaining $14,000.

Board member Becky Gorst asked softball coach Heidi Brostowitz how the team spent its fundraising money. Brostowitz said the team used it last year for tournament fees, renting a house to stay in during the Hodag Tournament and a few new bats. Becky Gorst said she knew the baseball team had a hard time fundraising for regular expenses, so it would be even tougher to go beyond that for the batting cages.

“We also thought about approaching local nonprofits like SYR (Spencer Youth Recreations),” said Buss.

“I think in three years the boosters (Spencer Community Boosters) could, but not until then, because we have the basketball hoops and stage to worry about,” said Becky Gorst.

“And maybe it’s time that the school step up and just take care of it, so that SYR and the Community Boosters can take a break, because they’ve had their hands in so many projects. So we can move on,” said Endreas.

“I think it’s an investment in program building,” added Becky Gorst.

Becky Gorst made a motion for the school district to purchase two double batting cages for an amount not to exceed $83,930, which was seconded and voted upon. The motion passed 4-1 with Sarah Krause voting nay. Spencer board,

from p. 1 Other business Endreas gave an update on construction progress for the infant care center. He said that the sewer line had been connected, the pavilion had been moved and crews were pouring concrete. He said the tentative timeline was to complete the center by the end of February and open shortly after.

“We’re trying to make a handbook and a competitive pay structure,” said Endreas. “It’s not-for-profit, so the funds will be used to cover the cost of staff.”

The project is estimated to cost $1.4 million, with about $850,000 coming from school funds and $517,000 from grant funding.

“We will not be state certified; we are going the exempt route,” said Endreas.

School resource officer Tim Kosar shared how the start of the school year was going.

“I feel like it’s been a really good start. Many kids are not used to seeing that uniform, so it’s been them getting used to having me around. It’s been around once a day that a teacher will call and ask if a kid can come talk to me, if they’re someone that may need another role model in their life besides a coach or teacher.

“I also had one student who was hesitant to come talk to me about an issue but she did, and were able to get it resolved, and I received a thank-you email from her for taking the time to work through the issue. So that was appreciated.”

He also said the school had ordered a box of about 1,000 coloring books, personalized with the Spencer School District logo, that would be handed out to elementary students.

Endreas said he was pleased with Kosar’s work so far.

“It’s been nice to be able to deal with an issue without ever having to call the village police department. I appreciate the efficiency and timeliness. We meet often as counselors and administrators, and Tim is included. So it’s good to have those conversations and hear his perspective,” said Endreas.

Elementary Principal Eddie Ikert reported that the students had been using the baseball field as a playground. They received bus safety and train safety training. The fourth- and fifth-grade students were also educated on the “Speak Up, Speak Out” app to use on school devices, since they are the only elementary students that have access to devices regularly.

High School Principal Jason Gorst reported that seemingly the school had had a higher percentage participation in homecoming activities this year than last year. He also said the cell phone policy of having students put their phone in a pocket by the doorway when they come in the classroom had been working well. He also said the school would start issuing Rocket Cards for good grades and good behavior, which entitles the cardholder to special privileges around school.

The board discussed adding another full-time worker to Dashir, its custodial service, as an existing employee will be assuming the supervisor role, but ultimately they decided to wait to add another employee until they had a clearer idea what responsibilities that position would entail.

The board approved hiring Eric Zenner as a paraprofessional. The board also approved Educators Rising as a school-sponsored club. The initial cost will be $599 for a first-year advisor. The goal of the club will be to encourage interest and exploration of education as career field among high school students.

The board also was notified of the retirement of Endreas as district administrator at the end of the school year. The board expressed its gratitude and Jason Gorst also had a message for Endreas.

“I’ve been here 18 years, and I want to congratulate Mike. There have been few people that have had as big of an impact on me personally and professionally as Mike Endreas,” he said.