Highlands County workshop weighs ending BrightView contract, bringing athletic-field care in-house or rebidding

Highlands County school operations staff told a Feb. workshop that the contractor BrightView has failed to deliver expected turf care across 15 school athletic fields in Avon Park, Lake Placid and Sebring, and the board must decide whether to terminate the contract, rebid or bring maintenance in‑house.

The workshop featured a technical review by consultant Dan Morgan and public comments from athletic directors, coaches and community members about field wear, equipment and supervision. Angelica, business operations for the school district, told the group the current BrightView contract runs July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025, with options to renew for up to two additional years; staff said a 90‑day written termination notice is required to end the contract early. Angelica said continuing with BrightView under the current pricing would cost $419,500 for the three‑year span cited in the contract materials.

Why it matters: the condition of playing surfaces affects student‑athletes’ safety and the district’s ability to schedule practices and games. Several speakers said field decline has been ongoing through multiple contractors and that switching…