Skating enthusiasts should mark Monday, Jan. 26 in their appointment books.At 7 p.m. next Monday, the school board is expected to hear a detailed report on the status of the Maroon and Gold Ice Arena and what the future may hold for the school-owned facility.
A two-hour session is planned to hear a report from Darrell Nelson, arena supervisor. Nelson is expected to update the board on potential costs the district could face for the future operation of the ice arena.
Lynn Steenblock, superintendent of schools, requested the special meeting to update the board as it begins the process of evaluating the districtís long-term future with the arena. The arena has faced a series of major repair expenses in the past two seasons and experts have told the district the facility is nearing the end of its effective use without major retrofits.
The school district has agreed to take part in a new community center plan in Forest Lake where a new skating facility has been proposed. But the ice arena proposal for the community center site remains uncertain this winter with no clear timetable for construction.
The districtís concern over the arenaís future has been fueled by tight budgets. Information presented next Monday will assist the board in the future as it weighs the level of financial commitments it can make to maintaining the facility or considers closing the 24-year-old arena.
A two-hour session is planned at the District Office Building, 6100 N. 210th St.
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