Norwin board debates cost of gym floor mats

The Norwin School Board is debating the cost of buying protective mats for a newly refinished gymnasium floor.

The board this week spent about 40 minutes debating whether to spend $17,470 on the mats, which would be used in an auxiliary gymnasium at the high school. Mats for the main gymnasium were approved at a previous meeting.

Director Bob Wayman criticized the administration for not seeking bids for the mats during the bid process for floor refinishing. He claimed that high-end mats are not necessary and cheaper ones could be purchased or rented.

Assistant Superintendent Natalie McCracken said that money had been set aside in the budget for the mats, and that the floor needs to be protected during events such as blood drives, homecoming activities, the annual Race for Grace fundraiser, the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps and color guard events.

While saying he supports student groups using the auxiliary gymnasium, “we can’t throw money left or right,” Director said Alex Detschelt.

He proposed charging groups for use of the auxiliary gym to help recoup the cost.

Director Ray Kocak pointed out that the district does not charge the football, baseball or softball team to help pay for the artificial turf fields.

“No organization should be asked to pony up that money,” Kocak said.

In response to a suggestion from Director Shawna Ilagan that the color guard could raise ticket prices for its competitions to help recoup the cost, Laurie Junker, president of the Norwin Band Aides, said those prices are set by a governing body.

The organization uses the money it receives from admission to color guard competitions to cover the cost of next year’s band show — the design, music, flags and props, Junker said. She told the board earlier this month the Band Aides does not have any money in its budget to help pay for the mats.

The board could vote on the purchase next month.