School board opts to help business

The Minneota School District has been operating a community fitness center  — that is, until Tuesday night.

Now, because of the opening of the Fit24 Fitness Center in downtown Minneota, the school board has chosen to close their facility to the public.

“We have to decide what to do with our fitness center. Are we going to keep it open for the public, or just keep it open for the students and staff?” asked Supt. Dan Deitte.

After a lengthy discussion, the thought presented by Principal Jeremy Frie prevailed. “Do you want to compete with a business in town?” he asked.

At this time only nine persons are signed up to use the school fitness center.

In the end, the board decided to, “Close it to the public but keep it open at reduced rates for the staff,” said Board Member Bill Bolt.

The board will offer refunds to anyone wanting out of their membership.
One board member didn’t like the idea of shutting down the fitness center. “I don’t think we need to shut it down,” said School Board Member Doug Spanton.

“If we do it, it could come back to haunt us,” he said. “Even if it’s only 10 people, they help support it,” he said.

“Let’s just see what happens. If everyone migrates there (to Fit24), so be it,” Board Member Dan Longtin said during the discussion.

“If we don’t keep it open to the public we could keep it open to our staff,” Supt. Deitte suggested during the discussion.

“I would agree with closing it and let the current memberships expire,” said Board Member Jeff Buysse.

“For a long time we didn’t have a facility in town so we provided one. Now we have one,” said Board Chairwoman Dawn Van Keulen.

A plan for renovation

With the bond issue approval behind them, the Minneota School Board is discussing the upcoming renovation work.

Supt. Deitte said some of the work will get started early and perhaps even the upstairs work can be done before the summer construction begins.

“We’re trying to develop a plan for the renovation,” Deitte said. The board will meet Thursday in special session to discuss the upcoming construction.

The voters of the district recently approved a $5.25 million project to improve the elementary School; bathrooms; locker rooms and other areas that need updating.

IN OTHER action the school board:

•Approved a report by Chairwoman Dawn VanKeulen indicating Supt. Dan Deitte had a review of his performance and he met or exceeded all he was asked to do. “In fact, we were exceedingly pleased with the work Mr. Deitte is doing,” she said.

•Activities Director Matt Myrvik indicated in the athletic department:

•Named Mike Hennen as the B squad boys’ basketball coach for the upcoming season. Mitchel VanWestern will be the c squad boys basketball coach.

•Named teacher Kent Williams as Clay Target League Advisor for the coming year.

•Noted a new flag football league has started with 65 kids playing the sport.

•Noted the current enrollment is 529.
 

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