(KNZA)--The Hiawatha School Board, during a special meeting Monday morning, heard an update on issues at the high school track.

Director of Maintenance Chris Morey told the Board that Matt Sprick, with the Brown County Conservation District, evaluated the drainage issues on the visitor's side of the track and suggested the addition of a V-ditch to direct water away from the track at a cost of $4,000 to $5,000 .

Morey said Sprick didn't feel the district needed to spend $30,000 plus to have box drains installed.

Bubbles have formed in the surface of the track, which was installed in 2018. The track vendor, Beynon Sports Surfaces, believes they are due to water drainage issues.

The company says it will not fix the track until the district addresses the drainage issues.

The Board will hold a special meeting November 13 with a representative from Beynon to further discuss the situtation.

The Board on a 6-1 vote gave Morey approval to seek bids for a utility tractor with up to 75 horsepower or equivalent. Board President Tom Simmer cast the lone dissenting vote. The tractor would replace the current 21-year-old 25 horsepower tractor.

In other business, the Board heard an update from members of the district health committee on the proposed new gating criteria they have developed to use as a guide in making recommendations to the board regarding whether the learning mode should be switched at a school. It was emphasized that the context of the current situation will always be a consideration when utilizing the gating criteria.

The Board also voted to accept changes to the Return to Learn Plan as presented by Superintendent Lonnie Moser. The changes include the option for district administration to move a student out of remote learning if needed.