During the recent Camas School District Board meeting, public comments highlighted significant concerns regarding a proposed agreement with USTA PNW for a tennis center on the Camas High School campus. The meeting, held on September 22, 2025, emphasized the board's commitment to listening to community input, although members were restricted from responding directly during the public comment segment.

Karen Vitek, representing Evergreen Tennis, voiced her objections to the agreement, arguing that it poses financial and community access issues. She pointed out that the proposed tennis center would impose substantial costs on the district and suggested that a simpler pavilion-style roof could serve the same purpose at a lower expense. Vitek stressed that this alternative would avoid the complications of increased traffic and security risks associated with opening the campus to the public.

Moreover, Vitek raised concerns about community access to the tennis courts, noting that the agreement would grant USTA exclusive control over the facilities during weekends and summers. She argued that this exclusivity undermines the public's investment in the land and facilities, as taxpayers funded their construction. Vitek concluded that the agreement does not align with the district's mission to serve all students and the community equitably.

The board's approach to public input, which encourages respectful dialogue while limiting direct responses, reflects an effort to maintain order and focus during meetings. However, the concerns raised by Vitek underscore the importance of community engagement in decision-making processes, particularly when it involves public resources and facilities.

As the board considers the implications of the proposed agreement, the discussions from this meeting may influence future decisions regarding the management and accessibility of school facilities. The next steps will likely involve further evaluation of the agreement and continued dialogue with community stakeholders to ensure that the interests of all parties are adequately addressed.