JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The Jamestown Public School Board approved to move forward with joining the University of Jamestown in helping construct a shared use facility in the future.

Discussion on the shared use facility took place Monday. Jamestown Superintendent Dr. Rob Lech says the relationship between the School District and University was a big reason the shared-use facility would work.

The shared athletic complex has been a discussion for decades according to Dr. Lech. The complex would enhance the existing football field and track at the University of Jamestown, making necessary enhancements for both the Jamestown Public School District and University of Jamestown.

Dr. Lech added that previous attempts at referendum’s has led the district to explore this option with the University instead.

In order to accomplish this shared use facility, Dr. Lech says the district could look to refinance their existing debt and targeting building fund revenue to generate necessary funding to partner with the University of Jamestown and help prioritize the district’s needs.

He says refinancing would clear up money to not only help fund a portion of the shared facility, but also some needs in the school district with different projects.

By refinancing through Certificates of Indebtedness at the existing general fund payment, it’s estimated the school district would create a project fund of around $3.88 million. Adding to estimates for next year’s summer projects, total funding could be around $4.5 million available.

University of Jamestown President Dr. Polly Peterson says they estimate work to begin this fall, depending on cost and fundraising efforts.

The board unanimously approved moving forward with selling certificates of indebtedness and move forward with a shared use facility with the University of Jamestown.

UJ is expected to announce the project at a luncheon Tuesday afternoon.

In other school board news, Dr. Rob Lech says they are using guidelines set forth by Governor Doug Burgum and State Schools Superintendent Kirsten Baesler to start developing their re-entry plan for school this fall.

Dr. Lech says this task force will look at requirements, phasing, what will school look like, and more. He says he’s grateful for the group and their guidance to make the right plan for Jamestown.

He says district feedback has been vital in this process.

Dr. Lech says they hope to use this feedback in the next few days to come up with the right plan.

You can view the entire meeting courtesy of Jamestown Video below: