Aldermen approve $4.95M school bond package that includes $1.1M for esports arenas at both high schools

By an 8–7 margin on March 3 the Board of Aldermen approved a $4.95 million bond ordinance for school improvements that includes partial roof work, HVAC and ventilation projects and a $1.1 million line item to build esports arenas at Joseph A. Foran High School and Jonathan Law High School.

Superintendent Clint Kataya and school maintenance director Bradbury briefed the board on building needs that the package addresses, including sections of roof that were deferred in prior multi‑school projects, cafeteria and gym ventilation upgrades at middle and high schools, and a multiyear equipment replacement plan for building systems. Kataya said the district launched CIAC‑sanctioned competitive esports teams this school year and asked the board to provide facility space sized and equipped for competitive play, spectating and production so the school system can treat esports as it treats other varsity sports and build related curricular pathways.

“Esports is not just about playing video games,” Kataya said. “It is about developing essential skills and creating an entire career pathway — production, content creation, coding, event operations — that our students can use to enter local and national industries.” She cited early competitive results and a first season of 53 student participants across the two high schools.

Supporters at the meeting — including parents, business owners and esports operators — described esports’ role in workforce development and said arenas can be used evenings and weekends for regional tournaments, producing potential revenue. Mark Kilpatrick, co‑founder of Affinity Esports, described how structured programs provide coaching, teamwork and technical skills.

Opponents urged caution on timing and scale and pressed for outside fundraising and private sponsorship before bonding taxpayer funds for a new facility. Several aldermen suggested donor outreach and phased approaches to limit city exposure. An amendment to strip the esports funding from this ordinance was proposed but failed on a roll call (8 no / 7 yes). After that, the full ordinance passed 8–7.

Key clarifying details supplied during discussion - Partial roof replacements and specific rooms in Orchard Hills, Orange Avenue and West Shore Middle School; Mathewson and Jonathan Law translucent panel replacements also cited. - HVAC/addition items included East Shore gym and Jonathan Law media center ventilation projects and other boiler/plant upgrades on a prioritized list maintained by the district. - Superintendent said current esports teams practice in repurposed classrooms; arenas would create dedicated competitive, coaching, production and spectator space and allow expansion into career and technical coursework.

Next steps: The bond appropriation authorizes the city to issue debt; staff will advance design and procurement for described school projects and bring specific contracts or purchase orders back to the city finance process as required. Superintendent Kataya said the district will continue outreach to potential private donors and industry partners to supplement any operational costs for the esports facilities.