Gym may be available for community use

The Eureka County Commissioners and the Eureka County School District Board of Trustees met to discuss community use of the school district’s new gymnasium facility and the concurrent level of participation by Eureka County.

The school board’s support for the building being open to the public is unanimous with the recognition that additional staffing will be required to enable the facility to be open to the public. The school board directed the school administrators to research how other buildings are being managed throughout the state such as in Carson and Washoe County. Public use is being considered when the school is not using the facility and students are not in session. The county’s providing maintenance was mentioned by Superintendent Zunino, particularly during the summer. Noting that the county and school district have a “good working relationship” to extend upon.

Chairman Goicoechea noted it’s “all taxpayer dollars that you spend and we spend” and wants to “make sure it benefits” the public.

Zunino said they are already getting calls wanting to know when they’ll be hosting track meets and sees the gym as enhancing economic development as visitors utilize hotels and will contribute revenue to the community over time.

School board member John Brown said there have been discussions about having an emergency stand-by generator at the facility and that it’s being perceived as a potential shelter during disasters.

Superintendent Zunino spoke of reaching out to “the emergency management people” as money available through the state are available for that type of use. During an emergency “anyone can come” and “all kinds of accommodations for folks” could be set up.

Goicoechea joked that it’s “The Superdome of Eureka.”

The superintendent explained the facility will not be available for public use when children are there. Concerns were expressed by the school board about men being in the building lifting weights when such things as girls’ basketball practice is going on. Zunino wants to “assure parents and families to the best of my ability that we’re providing a safe environment.”

The school district expects a staff member to manage scheduling. While Kathy Bacon-Bowling, school board president, motioned for the board to approve opening the facility to community use, board clerk John Brown suggested the question be tabled until the next regular school board meeting, as only four of the seven member Board were present.

The gym is expected to open in July of 2014.