JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – A deeper discussion of a shared use facility between the Jamestown School District and University of Jamestown was held Monday evening.

An ad hoc committee was formed earlier this month to explore the possibility of this facility. School board member Robert Toso was part of that committee.

Toso added that the school district already partners with the University of Jamestown in many areas including academics and athletics.

Toso stated that UJ currently has needs with their Track and Football field, adding that putting money into Ernie Gates Field would be “counterproductive” and wouldn’t be a good investment of taxpayer dollars.

Toso says this project isn’t something that will happen easy, with a financial obligation needed from both the University of Jamestown and Jamestown Public Schools. He added that asking for money from the public might be “difficult” based on the recent failed bond issues to build an athletic complex.

Superintendent Dr. Robert Lech says because of the already strong partnership between the schools and University, a project like this would be beneficial to both.

Dr. Lech added that the long range plan was based around that community input.

Dr. Lech added that the community has spoken through the democratic process, stating that finding other solutions was the key. He say the board would need to decide if pursuing this shared facility is something the district should commit to.

University of Jamestown President Dr. Polly Peterson echoed Dr. Lech’s words, saying a strong, working relationship between the entities made an opportunity like this possible.

Dr. Peterson stated that a common question they received was “Why does the community need a new field and track?”

Dr. Peterson says this means having facilities the students can use. She says they have hired an architect and are currently exploring opportunities to use the shared facility.

She stated they are looking to possibly break ground this fall after the football season for their new field.

Dr. Peterson says the University has already raised a substantial amount of money for the project.

As far as cost? Dr. Lech says that will need to be on the minds of the possible ad hoc committee with the need for other updates needed at schools in the district.

The board made a unanimous motion to have an ad hoc committee work with the University of Jamestown to explore the opportunity to work on a joint facility.

The school board also held discussion on the curriculum, election, and the latest superintendent report from Dr. Robert Lech.

You can watch the full school board meeting on June 15th below: