COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The Coldwater School District is going to be able to have a new all-purpose athletic field and major improvements and renovations at the Coldwater High School stadium despite a May school bond proposal not passing. It was announced at last night’s Coldwater School Board meeting that the Larsen Unitrust is standing behind its $1 million dollar gift to the district for the new field and stadium project even though the bond issue was rejected.
Coldwater School Superintendent Dr. Tina Kerr also said that the Larsen gift will help the school system meet additional needs by serving as the required outside match for a $6 million Qualified Zone Academy Bond, or QZAB the district has applied for. According to Kerr, the combined QZAB and gift will allow the district to complete high need projects in technology, security, safety and building efficiency originally planned for in this spring’s bond campaign.
In November 2014, the Larsen Unitrust announced it would make the $1 million gift for athletics available based on the passage of the May school bond proposal. Kerr said without the Unitrust and the QZAB, the Coldwater School District would have been looking at one million dollars in cuts for the 2015-2016 school year. The expensive technology updates are mandatory and Kerr said without the gift, the district would have to pay $250,000 in fees to secure the required 10% QZAB match. The low or zero percent interest bonds will be paid back through the district’s general fund revenues.
Some construction will begin as early as next month including work on building entrances and the new all-purpose field with the expectation that the new turf field will be completed in time for the August 28th varsity football season opener at home against Hastings. Kerr said the new field and stadium will benefit numerous activities and programs at Coldwater High School besides football including soccer, marching band and future high school graduation ceremonies.
