Foundation update includes Kaley Field project timeline
The Greencastle-Antrim School Board heard an update on the Greencastle-Antrim Education Foundation earlier this month and approving the timeline for its Kaley Field project was on the agenda for the June 20 school board meeting.
Cheryl Brown, hired last summer as GAEF's part-time executive director, gave the board an overview of GAEF since its founding as a non-profit organization in 1997.
GAEF's mission is: "A non-profit foundation committed to impacting and enhancing Greencastle-Antrim students' educational experience."
Its vision is: "Secure funding to enhance education, arts and athletics."
"After many discussions with the GAEF Board of Directors and with the G-ASD superintendent, the facility needs at Kaley Field quickly rose to the top of the project list," Brown explained.
The projects includes restrooms to replace the portable toilets coupled with a ticket booth and concession stand.
"If this wasn't happening, the district would have to do the restrooms at some point," said board member Pat Fridgen.
Mike Still, board president, added that with prevailing wage requirements, the district's costs would probably have been double GAEF's $650,000 project.
Brown assured the board the district "will not be responsible for any portion of the $650,000."
In addition, "A shovel will not be put in the ground until all funds have been secured through outright gifts, signed pledge forms, committed in-kind donations and grant funding."
The timeline:
August 2019 — Signs at Kaley Field
September 2019 — Official blueprints
September 2019 — Final construction budget
October 2019 — Bids for general contractor
November 2019 — General contractor selected
December 2019 — Second annual Raising the Bar fundraiser on New Year's Eve
Spring 2020 — Ground-breaking
Summer 2020 — Topping out ceremony
End of summer 2020 — Ribbon-cutting
The buckets
Brown's presentations included illustrations of buckets to show what GAEF supports.
Buckets for priorities set by the district include teacher grants and professional development; technology; and campus improvements, currently Kaley Field.
Additional buckets supported by GAEF are extracurricular activities, including arts and athletics; scholarships; and Tayamentasachta.
"It is through open communication, collaboration and commitment that we can work together to provide the necessary resources to enhance every G-A student's experience for generations to come. We look forwarding to working with you," Brown's presentation concluded.