Addressing a dilapidated track continues to be a priority for Houston Schools, according to its superintendent. But the path forward is unknown.
Possible next steps following another failed effort to bring a new track to the district were discussed last week by the Board of Education during its monthly meeting. While different options and opinions were shared, a clear plan was not established.
“We continue to talk about it and continue to prioritize getting a track in place,” said Dr. Justin Copley, superintendent. “Our board continues to keep this a priority discussion. There’s still momentum.
“We’ve hit some barriers but we’re not at a road block. We believe we will land this plane at some point – we just haven’t yet.”
The district’s most recent effort to construct a new track was a $1.5 million state appropriation that received approval from the Missouri General Assembly but was vetoed in late June by Gov. Mike Kehoe.
In the spring of 2024, the district sought a $3 million no levy increase bond issue that received majority support (54.84 percent) from the community but failed to reach the 57.14 percent threshold to pass.
Copley said there are several options for the district to consider, including another bond, lease-purchase, Capital Projects Fund (Fund 4), grants and fundraising. The district has previously sought funds through the LWCF Conservation Grant.
The board must also determine, Copley said, the scope of the project. Details to be decided include the number of lanes and type of surface. Copley said board members shared differing opinions of both during the meeting.
LJ Hart and Company will make a presentation at the next regular board meeting, Copley said, to discuss funding sources. The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 12.
“We’re going back to square one just a little bit and maybe taking a little bit different approach. We have to think about our best path moving forward. It cannot take precedence over a path for operational costs – staff salaries and how we pay the bills. We have to think about sustainability over a projected period of time.”
Justin Copley, superintendent