Whitehall school board pauses daycare plans

With a number of uncertain factors in play, the Whitehall school board decided last week Monday to hold off on a referendum that would ask district taxpayers for funds to build a school-operated child care center.

The conversation about the center has occurred over the last couple of months with the consensus being that taxpayers supported the idea. As superintendent Mike Beighley began breaking down the process of making it a reality, he decided it was best to wait.

“What has become clear is just how difficult trying to estimate pricing is right now,” Beighely said. “My greater fear is we would overspend or that we wouldn’t have enough money to finish it.” 

Initial estimates showed adding the center along with a multipurpose room would cost $10 million, but there were a number of factors that could change that price between an April referendum and when construction would begin in September or October. Beighley recommended the district wait on the referendum until September. 

When the board began the conversation, it was with the idea of getting as much information they could to move with the project as quickly as possible. Board member Julie Dokkestul said pushing forward at this point felt “rushed.” 

“I’m not comfortable going in April,” Beighley said. “I’m not comfortable with the amount of money in terms of understanding if that is accurate. Something is going to happen one way or the other.”

While he said he didn’t like having to wait, putting the question to taxpayers in September would give the district more time to plan. “I like going after things and going after them hard and fast.”

The topic will be discussed by the board in the future.

“The interest is there. The need is definitely there and not going away,” Beighley said.  “We’re not going away from this work, we’re simply pushing it to September.” 

In other matters the board authorized a resolution that would allow the refinancing of debt when interest rates are favorable.

The board began discussing refinancing debt last month when interest rates were low. While they increased significantly since the start of the new year, the board’s action will allow refinancing without separate board approval should they drop again. 

“If they don’t, it’s not worth the cost,” Beighley said.