JROTC cadets defend program; North and West High School pool upgrades; budget final review
SIOUX CITY (KTIV) - Monday, the Sioux City Community School District held a school board meeting and heard citizen input, approved pool upgrades, and reviewed the budget.
Citizen Input
Members of the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) went before the school board to defend their program.
Funding for the JROTC program could be cut because the current agreement between the school district and the Air Force didn’t meet both the district and Air Force needs.
11 members of the school’s JROTC program told school board members what this program means to them.
“I know I can’t speak for all of us but we all appreciate each other, and I appreciate you all. You are all like family to me. And if you guys close this program down, you’re basically shutting down a family,“ said a JROTC Cadet.
Superintendent Dr. Rod Earleywine commended the cadets for addressing the school board.
But, he says the agreement will need adjustments for the program to remain.
“We’ve still been trying to work with the JROTC and the leaders up the chain of command to see if we can make some adjustments to the program and thus far, we have not been successful,” said Earleywine.
Earleywine says the current document sets a March 31st deadline to modify the agreement.
But, he says the district may have some flexibility.
Bullying
Four people expressed their concerns about bullying at West Middle and West High School.
One person talked about a sexual assault at Loess Hills Elementary school.
“The bullying and harassment, I agree, has to stop,” said Earleywine. “We need parent support in telling their kids bullying and harassing someone is never okay. And turning to violence is never an option.”
North and West High School Pool Upgrades
The board approved plans and specifications to be drawn up for the repairs needed at the North and West High pools. The plans will include the upgrade of mechanical systems, repairs to the pool gutters, replacement of piping, and repainting. The total cost estimate for this project including design fees, equipment, and contractor installation is $586,490.00. The Siouxland Sharks as part of the lease agreement will be paying $245,532.00 for the North High repairs.
The remainder of the $340,958 will come from district sales tax.
A public hearing will be held on April 14 at 6:00 p.m. at the Educational Service Center. Plans and specifications can be reviewed at the Purchasing Manager’s office.
FY26 Budget Final Review of All Funds
The Board of Directors approved to acknowledge the FY26 budget information presented for all funds.
The Board of Directors approved to allow the publication of the District’s FY26 budget and set a hearing date for April 14, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at the Educational Service Center.
The final decision of the approval of the budget will take place at the hearing.
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