Boards discuss Florence lease
Sports reporter
Marion-Florence USD 408 held a special meeting Friday to discuss issues concerning a contract with Marion County Special Education Cooperative.
The boards agreed to a contract this past month for USD 408 to lease the building used by the cooperative. The cost for MCSEC raised from $3,000 to $50,000. The $3,000 from the previous year almost covered insurance, and the large increase this year was so USD 408 could take care of maintaining the facilities.
USD 408 and MCSEC board member Lyle Leppke said Friday he wanted everyone to know the money was to be spent only on maintenance and increased cost for USD 408.
"We are not pocketing that money," he said.
Monday MCSEC discussed moving to another building. The contract between the two states "it is further understood and agreed that said cooperative shall not purchase or otherwise acquire any real property without the unanimous approval of the Board of Directors of said cooperative."
In a regular meeting Monday MCSEC discussed a feasibility study they had run on the facilities in Florence, and said it would look more into the study at the next meeting.
The board also talked with an architect it hired in the spring to possibly look into another option for location of the building. President Richard Drake said more than anything communication has been an issue, and he takes some responsibility. Also, talking with an architect at this time does not breach contract.
"We're in a fact-finding mode right now," Drake said. "Some communication has gotten lost. Right now we're looking at all options."
Members of USD 408 said communication between the school boards and the coop is essential to the agreement. They said if in fact the coop were to move, it could happen, but not as long as a contract between the two entities existed.
USD 408 board member Keith Collett said if this is going to happen, discussion needs to as well.
"We need to start talking about the future of the special ed coop," he said.
USD 408 superintendent Lee Leiker said he talked with MCSEC director Chris Cezar about a newspaper article where Cezar mentioned the board was unhappy with the new contract that was approved, and would possibly look for relocation.
"I stressed my disappointment," Leiker said.
USD 408 at its next meeting will clearly state is stand on the relocation issue, and hope the two will come to an agreement.
Leppke said after the Monday meeting talks will be progressing between the two boards.
In other news:
— In the regular meeting July 10 USD 408 board re-elected Rex Savage as board president, and Chris Sprowls as board vice president.
