Board approves $172,550 bid for high-school softball dugouts, delays baseball roof decision

The Mahomet-Seymour Community Unit School District 3 Board of Education approved a $172,550 low bid for new softball dugouts at the high school at its Aug. 18 meeting, but members postponed a $25,000 option for matching metal roofs on the baseball dugouts while they study long-term plans and funding.

Superintendent and athletics staff said the softball dugouts are in poor condition and the project will include renewed storage, concrete aprons and an improved fan area. The low bid for the dugouts was presented as part of a larger plan that volunteers and local fundraisers have supported.

During lengthy board discussion, members raised concerns about sight lines and fan experience at the baseball field. Several board members recommended pausing on the baseball roof and exploring alternatives such as raising existing spectator bleachers, site grading, or lower-cost shingle replacement while developing a long-term plan that would benefit both baseball and softball.

Staff reported anticipated community contributions: an expected $50,000 from boosters, $25,000 from the Bulldog Open and $25,000 in corporate sponsorships; board members did not treat those contributions as fully committed but said they were part of the financing discussions. The board directed staff to follow up with athletic and facilities staff and meet with boosters and contractors to clarify costs and any in-kind work before finalizing any additional baseball work.

The motion approved the base bid for the softball dugouts. The board will revisit the baseball roof alternative at a later meeting; administrators said they planned to invite facilities staff for a discussion of long-term field plans at the Sept. 8 meeting.

Vote: The board approved the low bid for the softball dugout project by roll call (motion passed; one board member recorded a no vote on the base bid vote).