May 21, 2026

To our District Families:

The Board of Education and administrative team began active discussions regarding a weight room facility upgrade in August 2025. The current weight room no longer adequately meets the space and capacity needs of current and projected student enrollment. Since that time, the topic has been discussed regularly at Board meetings and through the Athletic Facilities Planning Committee, which includes board members, administrators, coaches, and community members, as well as additional meetings with building managers, engineers, and maintenance directors. These conversations occurred over multiple public Board meetings and planning discussions throughout the school year.

Throughout the process, the Board and administration remained focused on three key goals: improving student safety and program functionality, minimizing disruption to existing student programs, and being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars.

Multiple options across campus were carefully explored, including relocating the cafeteria, renovating the middle school locker rooms, renovating the band room, and constructing a new facility. While each option offered potential benefits, the Board determined that none fully met all three priorities. As a result, discussions and evaluations continued up to the day of the Board meeting.

On the day of the meeting, an additional option involving the Business Lab classrooms was presented. This space nearly doubles the size of the current weight room and can be renovated using existing district funds. After careful consideration, the Board determined this solution best balances student safety, program continuity, and fiscal responsibility, and unanimously approved moving forward with the project.

We sincerely appreciate the students, families, staff, and community members who respectfully shared their thoughts and concerns regarding the band room relocation, while also listening to the current safety challenges in the weight room, the projected enrollment growth of strength and agility classes, and the financial challenges facing the district due to declining state funding. The thoughtful and respectful dialogue throughout this process was greatly valued.

While not every decision is easy, the Cole County R-V School District remains focused on continuous improvement and doing what is best for students both now and in the future. We are proud of the progress being made throughout the district and grateful for a community that cares deeply about our students, programs, and school.