Portage Township school officials should get their first looks at the possible costs for a string of construction projects at a special meeting May 2.
Superintendent Richard Weigel also got the go-ahead from the board to apply for a $100,000 grant from the city’s Redevelopment Commission. The district last year received the same amount from the commission and used the funds to buy more than 200 iPads being used by middle and elementary school students.
The construction projects board members are considering include rebuilding the exterior north wall and replacing a skylight in “Jungle Hall” at Willowcreek Middle School. Work at Portage High School will include upgrading the boys locker room and paving work in front of Portage High School West, Weigel said.
It’s unclear how much the work will cost, said Board Member Cheryl Oprisko, describing the project as in a very preliminary stage.
The grant the district is trying to land from the Redevelopment Commission is funded by tax increment financing district, or TIF, funds, Weigel said. If the district is awarded the grant this year, it will go to buying about 55 laptops for eight school buildings, he added.
The computers will help prepare students to take computerized tests by giving them ample exposure and practice with newer testing technologies, Weigel said.
The board also approved overnight field trips for Portage High School students beginning in June. The trips include the state track meet in Bloomington, a basketball event in Salem, Ind., and an ROTC camp in Delafield, Wis.
The board rescinded its permission for a high school trip to Mexico next year and a European trip in 2018.
“We want to study (the trips) more for the safety of our children,” Weigel said.
Michael Gonzalez is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
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