Board approves $227,160 purchase to integrate gym video displays with traditional scoreboards
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Summary
The District 211 Board approved up to $227,160 to purchase scoreboard hardware and software from Nevco under a cooperative contract. The upgrade is intended to synchronize new large digital displays with traditional scoreboard functions and be operational for winter sports.
The Township High School District 211 Board of Education approved a purchase of gymnasium scoreboard hardware and software from Nevco, using a cooperative purchasing agreement, in an amount not to exceed $227,160 from the 2025‑26 operations and maintenance fund.
District staff said the project primarily addresses compatibility problems between large new digital displays mounted in some gymnasiums and the smaller, traditional visible scoreboards on the opposite ends of those gyms. Ricky Sparks, director of facilities and purchasing (referenced in the agenda), and Lauren Hummel, the district’s chief operating officer, told the board the recommended solution includes a software update and additional hardware so time and score are displayed consistently on both ends of each gym. Board members and administrators noted examples in which the two displays showed different counts and occasional inconsistent timing during live events.
Key procurement details discussed during the meeting: - Vendor and procurement: Nevco, via Sourcewell cooperative purchasing agreement. - Not‑to‑exceed amount: $227,160 charged to the 2025‑26 operations and maintenance fund. - Installation: included in the proposal; district will run required cable to earn a $5,000 credit. - Software/support: presenters said the purchase includes a one‑year software/support component; staff said they would provide warranty and lifecycle details to the board. - Timeline: presenters estimated 4–6 week lead time with a target of having systems operational by the start of winter sports.
Board discussion included questions about prior scoreboard purchases, why the new digital displays weren’t functioning as integrated scoreboards, warranty and long‑term lifecycle expectations, and whether local staff could perform installation. Administration responded that the issue was primarily compatibility and software integration rather than hardware failure, that several districts using similar systems had been visited for verification, and that vendor programming and warranty factors required vendor installation. A $5,000 credit was offered if the district ran the cable internally.
The item passed on a roll call vote. Board members also asked staff to follow up with warranty length and lifecycle expectations for the new system.
