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The Celina Board of Education indicated support Monday night for a proposed five-year residential tax abatement in the city while also receiving updates on the district’s building projects, future property plans and other district business.

During the September meeting, board members discussed a request from Celina City Council for the district’s opinion on a possible residential tax abatement designed to encourage new home construction.

Board members said they were more comfortable with a five-year abatement than a 10-year proposal that had previously been discussed. After considerable discussion, the board reached a general consensus supporting a five-year abatement without a restriction on the square footage of a new home. Members emphasized that the decision ultimately rests with City Council and that the school board is only providing a recommendation.

The discussion included concerns about the impact of an abatement on taxpayers outside the city limits as well as the potential benefit of attracting new families and students to the district. Board members also discussed new-home construction in Celina compared with surrounding communities that already offer abatements.

The board also received an update from building project manager Phil Metz on progress at the new Celina High School. Metz said painting and flooring work is nearing completion in several areas, while the main gym floor has been installed and is being sanded. About two-thirds of the auxiliary gym floor had also been installed. Work continues on the kitchen, stage rigging, lockers and other finishing items.

The connecting roadway between the new school and the building has been completed and is awaiting striping. More than 200 engraved pavers are also being installed near the entrance.

Superintendent Brooke Gessler also updated the board on the possible future auction of the district’s field house and related property. She explained that the board must first declare that property is no longer needed for school purposes before moving ahead with an auction. Because portions of the property remain in use, the district cannot yet make that declaration. However, legal guidance indicates the district can establish a future date when the property will no longer be needed and begin the process in advance.

The district is also continuing value engineering work on future projects in an effort to reduce costs. Gessler said officials are examining whether items from existing facilities can be reused rather than purchasing new materials. The district is focusing first on costs associated with the track, field area and Tri Star building before determining where it stands financially on the middle school renovation.

During public participation, a resident asked about reports of possible mold at the district’s recently acquired bus garage. District officials said they were not aware of such an issue. Officials said buses are currently using the property, but maintenance operations and mechanics have not yet moved into the facility because renovation work is needed. The district is waiting for cost estimates before establishing a timeline.

In personnel action, Gessler announced that Tri Star Director Tim Buschor plans to resign at the end of the current contract year. Gessler praised Buschor for his work and advocacy for career technical education and noted that the district still has the remainder of the school year with him.

The board also approved a corrective action plan for the district’s Head Start program following a federal monitoring finding. Head Start is required to have at least 10 percent of its enrollment consist of children with Individualized Education Programs, or IEPs. Officials said the program did not meet that requirement last year, resulting in an area of noncompliance and the need for a corrective action plan.

In financial business, the board approved the August cash summary showing revenues of approximately $4.05 million and expenditures of approximately $5.76 million. The district’s August cash reconciliation showed a balance of approximately $52.69 million, including about $24.42 million designated for the building project.

The board also accepted a $1,500 donation from the Celina High School National Honor Society for Legacy Hall and a $500 donation from Chris and Dancie Moeller for the high school spring musical.