Roughly two dozen patrons of the Marshall School District were on hand during the school board’s “The Floor is Yours” event held in the auditorium at Bueker Middle School on Tuesday, February 15.

Board president Bryon Jacques, vice president Matt Smith and board member Harry Carrell answered questions from the attendees and some sent in through e-mail.

Marshall Mayor Julie Schwetz asked about the district’s plans moving forward with the property formerly known as the Marshall Habilitation Center.

Jacques said the board also received an e-mail question that asked, “With CARES money or the ESSER money, why don’t you just build a school?”

Smith says he has drawn up an idea for a building.

Jacques said it takes partnerships to make progress.

Board members acknowledged how hard it has been to get a bond issue approved by the district’s voters. Several have been defeated at the ballot box over the last 20 or so years. They say it will take an increase in the tax levy for a new school to be built, so a bond issue could be placed on the ballot during a future election.

Board members handled several other questions during the forum- including Critical Race Theory; Black History Month; the usage of Northwest Elementary School; and Wednesday early-outs; as well as others.

Board members said the plans are to have more of these open forums in the future.

The next regular school board meeting is scheduled to be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, February 22.