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BOURBON - In front of a large but quiet crowd, the Triton School Board voted unanimously Monday to call off the controversial $13.85-million building project.
The project was to include infrastructure upgrades, a new science wing, office area and wrestling room, and renovation to the 36-year-old junior/senior high school. Original plans for the project included the addition of a new gymnasium, which was dropped from the plan after opposition was voiced at public forums in February. The board said then they dropped the gym to avoid divisions in the community.
Board members stated the same reason Monday for dropping the entire plan.
After the 1028 hearing Feb. 26 to approve the plan, a petition opposing the project and beginning the remonstrance process was submitted to the Marshall County auditor.
School board president Kevin Boyer said the board still believes the project is needed by the school, but, he said, the petition process is "very divisive and harmful to the community.
"Despite the fact we felt what we were doing was best for education in the community, the community wasn't ready for it," Boyer said.
One of those in attendance Monday, Steve Nifong, of Etna Green, said he was happy with the board's decision.
"The project never got off to having total community support. The timing wasn't right. There were too many issues, and the board realized that," Nifong said. "We're appreciative of the board and what they've done."
Superintendent Ted Chittum addressed a question from a patron as to how the school will be maintained despite the infrastructure upgrades that will not be completed. Chittum said the capital projects fund will be used to maintain the school property just as in other years.
The school corporation must wait a minimum of one year to propose another building project.
