Board reviews feasibility of field houses at high schools; staff to survey stakeholders and return with timeline

Jordan School District staff presented a feasibility overview Aug. 12 on constructing multi‑use field houses at high schools, including potential locations, program benefits, estimated capital and operating costs and next steps for stakeholder engagement. Study summary: Staff said a 30–35,000 square‑foot field house would provide turf for year‑round training, covered practice space for high‑risk sports (for example, lacrosse and baseball batting cages), room for performing arts rehearsals, weight and training rooms, interior practice courts and specialized instructional uses such as sports medicine classes. Staff said the size chosen balances functionality with site constraints at most high schools. Estimated costs and operations: Staff presented a preliminary per‑facility estimate of about $20 million for construction and equipment, and operating costs around $200,000 annually including utilities and custodial/staffing. The administration emphasized the potential for rental income (camps, clinics, community events) and for programmatic benefits to athletics, academics and community programming — but said rentals alone are unlikely to cover full operating or capital costs. Board questions and direction: Board members asked for academic justifications (course use, lab and auxiliary space) and local stakeholder sentiment. Members expressed concern about timing relative to other district capital needs and potential voter appetite. The board unanimously agreed to proceed to the next step: staff will engage stakeholders (school administrators, coaches, students, city and legislative contacts), seek bids on public‑opinion research (Lighthouse or similar), request conceptual renderings and ask bond counsel to outline timeline and legal deadlines for placing a measure on a future ballot. Next steps: Staff will collect school‑level needs, ask architects for renderings of comparable facilities, get a cost estimate refined for typical sites, solicit public‑opinion research bids, and return with a timeline showing options for future bond timing and outreach materials.