MISHAWAKA — Hopes of building a new sports complex at Baker Park are reappearing in School City of Mishawaka.

Superintendent Steven Mills and business manager Randy Squadroni on Tuesday said they, along with Murray Clark of Baker & Daniels, presented the idea to Indiana Department of Local Government Finance commissioner Cheryl Musgrave after the school property tax control board last month denied the $1.99 million project.

The facility will include varsity and junior varsity baseball and softball diamonds and be used for physical education classes. When asked how the project would help the district’s low graduation rate of 59 percent, Mills said the facility would provide space for intramurals and other activities students desire. The district now is seeking approval in writing from the mayor and from the St. Joseph County Council after already having approval from Mishawaka Common Council, Squadroni said.

The school board also approved a change order from Rieth-Riley Construction Co. in the amount of $13,825 for the $332,825 west-side parking lot project at John Young Middle School. Squadroni said officials added an extra sidewalk around the parking lot among other minor changes. The district, which had a $20,000 allowance built into the project for unanticipated changes, wants to see more parents use the new lot and decrease east-side congestion.

The board Tuesday also approved for a majority of support staff - which includes secretaries, media clerks, aides and special assignment personnel - to receive 1 percent increases and 1 percent bonuses retroactive to January and ending Dec. 31.

In addition, the deadline for 25 teachers to take advantage of the district’s retiree buyout option this spring — $25,000 for medical expenses — has been extended from March 1 to April 4. So far, 17 teachers have expressed interest, officials said.