Contributed photo The Marshalltown School Board is addressing the deteriorating conditions of the tennis courts.”

The Marshalltown School Board listened Monday to members of the community during a public hearing regarding the district’s plans to construct a new tennis facility. There were more than 35 community members in attendance.

Board member Paulette Newbold opened the hearing by reading a letter from resident Bobby Shomo which commended the board for its actions in developing the tennis court plans.

“In an era where student participation is on a downward trend, our MHS tennis program is generating tremendous numbers and we, as a district, owe it to our students to give them the facilities they need to participate,” Shomo’s letter read.

After Shomo’s letter, community members Larry and Marki McKibben took the microphone to discuss their own thoughts on the project. They agreed with Shomo that the community will benefit from new courts.

After the public hearing, the board discussed how to move forward with the tennis court project.

Superintendent Theron Schutte reitterated the plan, which first came to be in November.

Initially, the school board hoped to redo the existing eight tennis courts and make them into six new ones. Additionally, a six-court facility would be added, as well as restrooms, lights and a parking lot. The city decided against helping fund the project, which caused the board to rethink planning and change the base bid to simply creating the six additional courts.

Along with the tennis courts, the district will add pickel ball courts thanks to a grant from the Martha Ellen Tye Foundation.

The discussion was quick and ended with a unanimous vote from the board to continue moving forward with the project.

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Contact Shannon Rabotski

at 641-753-6611 or

srabotski@timesrepublican.com