Richland County Looks Toward the Future

Richland Center – (WRCO)

A total of 168 concerned citizens attended the community forums Monday at the Phoenix Center in Richland Center. The purpose of the forums were to inform residents about the Richland School District Referendums, the future of Symons Recreation Complex, the campus gym, and the collaboration group overview. Ron Fruit served as the moderator for the forums.

(Ron Fruit 45 seconds)

The forum panel consisted of six representatives: Corporation Council for Richland County and City Attorney, Micheal Windle; Mayor Todd Coppernoll; Richland Center Economic Development Director, Jason Glassbrenner; Richland School District Administrator, Steve Board; Richland School Board President, Erin Unbehaun; Symons Recreation Director, Tracy Goben; and Symons Recreation Complex Foundation member, Al Lins.

Mayor Todd Coppernoll stated that what began as a meeting between himself; County Board Chair Marty Brewer; District Administrator, Steve Board; and Richland School Board President, Erin Unbehaun resulted in the collaboration to work together.

(Mayor Todd Coppernoll 1:09)

Steve Board said that we live in a wonderful community, with people wanting to make things better.

(Steve Board 1:22)

Board went on to share the why, how, and what of the referendum questions the district will have on the spring ballot. He also explained how the future of the school district, Symons, and the campus all fit together.

(Steve Board 19 seconds)

He emphasized however, that the referendum for capital improvements has nothing to do with Symons.

(Steve Board 29 seconds)

Attorney Micheal Windle is serving as the representative for the county with the UW System.

(Micheal Windle 36 seconds)

Some in the audience wanted to know why UW-Platteville had so much say about the campus currently, when they don’t seem interested in it. Windle commented.

(Micheal Windle 1:35)

The lease between Richland County and the UW-System runs through 2042.