The Fond du Lac School Board wants to know how much it might cost to build a new artificial turf football stadium and indoor athletic complex at Fond du lac High School. Athletic director David Michalkiewicz and Superintendent Dr. Jim Sebert along with a handful of residents spoke in favor of the idea at last night’s school board meeting. Michalkiewicz says it would be great for the district. “We are going to continue to push for what at least I believe is in the best interest of the students in our district,” Michalkiewicz said. Several board members expressed concern about spending millions of dollars on a new sports complex fresh after asking voters for nearly $100 million for a major building referendum, but agreed to allow the district to at least determine a cost estimate. Board member Mark Jurgella says it puts the board in a tough spot. “With all the surrounding circumstances with the referendum and prior improvements at Fruth Field to bring this up now makes it an even more difficult decision for us.” Board member Peggy Breister says while she supports athletics, the district’s priorities should be academics. “I respect the passion the people who want turf and a fieldhouse bring to this discussion. I just feel that the priorities I see for the district are focused more on academics and I think if we could get that house in order and put our money behind improving academic performance, I would rather see us focus on that.”
