Board approves MCCU Stadium entry sign and LED lighting funded by sinking fund and foundation donation

The Marshall Public Schools Board of Education approved two capital items for MCCU Stadium on Aug. 11: a new entryway sign and a stadium LED lighting system.

The board authorized purchase of a 2-by-25-foot MCCU Stadium entryway sign, featuring the school’s Red Hawk logo, at a total cost of $38,681 to be paid from the district sinking fund. Two bids were received for the sign; the board recommended Fritz Saenz (the vendor that is also installing the stadium scoreboard) despite it being the higher of the two bids, citing project continuity. Trustees asked for a rendering to be included in future packets.

Separately, the board approved purchase and installation of an LED stadium lighting system from Qualite at a cost of $204,178. The lights will be funded with donated funds from the Football Fields Capital Campaign and transferred from the Marshall Community Foundation; the district indicated it would process the invoice internally. The purchase will be made through the TIPS cooperative purchasing program (as presented to the board).

Trustees discussed features of the LED system, including programmable color changes and light shows. Board members also asked about warranty and insurance for storm or lightning damage; staff responded that warranty terms were not reviewed in detail at the meeting and that district insurance would be used for certain events described as acts of God. The LED installation will reduce the number of poles from six to four as presented and is intended to improve operational efficiency and the game experience.

The motions to approve both purchases were moved and seconded and passed by voice votes.