Committee tables $55,000 proposal for Amy High batting cages amid equity and standardization concerns

The Tangipahoa Parish School Board Capital Outlay Committee discussed and tabled a $55,000 low-quote proposal to install new batting cages and netting at Amy High School.

Jeff, a staff member, said the school’s existing batting infrastructure had deteriorated and the administration sought a full replacement. The presented estimate covered a concrete pad roughly 78 feet by 36 feet, artificial turf over the slab and a framed structure with netting; the low quote listed was $55,000.

Board members raised equity and cost concerns, noting that other schools use simpler, less expensive batting-cage solutions on grass. “Sumner has packing cage made out of metal with the netting hung over on grass … Both of them probably less than $10,000 to purchase and to build,” one board member said, arguing the proposed design for Amy High was materially more expensive than recent or existing arrangements elsewhere.

Members also asked where the money would come from; staff said the request was currently proposed to come from Capital Outlay funds. One board member said they would support the project if the school paid from its own improvement funds rather than system capital funds.

After discussion about standards, duplication of facilities and the potential to develop a consistent specification across schools, a board member moved to table the item to the next capital outlay meeting so staff can compile comparative information and funding recommendations. The motion to table passed.

The committee asked staff to return with systemwide comparisons of existing batting-cage facilities, detailed specifications for a recommended standard if any, and clarity on funding sources before reconsidering the Amy High proposal.