Fellow Black Knights,
I hope that everyone is having an enjoyable and relaxing summer! This summer, much like last summer, will be a busy time for the school district. Over the past year, we have needed to purchase and replace both our air conditioning units at the middle school and the elementary school. Both of these units were over 20 years old and suffered significant breakdowns causing us to replace these units. The middle school unit is now operational and the elementary unit will be installed throughout July. Barring any setbacks, both units will be fully operational for the 2024-2025 school year.
In another development, the district was provided the opportunity to purchase the neighboring property of 209 S. Main Street. If you are not aware, the school district has owned the property on both sides of 209 S. Main Street for many years. It should be no surprise to anyone at Van Buren when I say that we do not have enough property to meet all of the district’s needs. The district’s facility committee, made up of community members, district leaders, and Board of Education members, determined that the property was necessary for the future of the school district after carefully considering several factors, including proximity to property already owned by the district, feasibility of development, and long term benefits for the district.
Having consulted with both the facility committee and the athletic committee, it was determined that the most practical and most feasible use of the land would be for much needed outdoor practice space. Throughout the summer, you will see changes to this property and the grassy lots next to 209 S. Main Street. In order to provide a safe practice space for our students, we will complete many steps, including the removal of the home that sits on 209 S. Main Street. Development of this land will begin in late summer and continue into the early fall. It is our hope that this area will be utilized by students during the 2025-2026 school year.
I want to personally thank all of our community members who have given up valuable time to serve on one of our many district committees. I also want to thank the surveying company of Van Horn, Hoover, & Associates Inc. for donating their time and resources to help the district with this important project. The Van Buren Local School District is extremely fortunate and appreciative of receiving the continued support of our fantastic community.
Sincerely,
Jason Inkrott Superintendent