Board approves LED lighting upgrade for football, baseball and softball fields
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Summary
The Ste. Genevieve Co. R-II Board approved a contract to replace field lighting with LED fixtures, citing longer warranties, reduced maintenance and improved field illumination; Musco was the recommended vendor and boosters pledged a donation toward the project.
The Ste. Genevieve Co. R-II Board of Education approved an upgrade to LED lighting for the district’s football, baseball and softball fields after a presentation comparing bids and long‑term service options.
Superintendent Dr. Taylor told the board the district solicited multiple proposals and evaluated light levels, driver placement and warranty terms before recommending Musco’s system; Dr. Taylor said the decision hinged on durability and service: "I'm really comfortable with where I landed on this recommendation. I didn't take this lightly. This is a lot of money."
The presentation explained technical differences the board considered. Presenters said current field illumination averages about 30 foot‑candles on the football field and that the proposed upgrade would raise average infield light levels to about 50 foot‑candles, with outfields at roughly 30. The vendor described two driver designs: integrated drivers housed in the top fixture and remote drivers located at ground level; the board emphasized access for repairs and favored systems that keep serviceable components lower on the pole.
Todd Stick, a Musco representative, described Musco’s service and warranty model: "All of our product comes with a 25‑year warranty." He also outlined Musco’s remote monitoring and a customer app that allows district staff to schedule and switch lights on and off and that alerts the company about fixture outages for rapid response.
Board members discussed energy use and maintenance savings. District staff told the board they expect some operating savings when lights are replaced with LED technology but said savings will depend on how often fields are used. The proposal cites a 25‑year warranty and remote monitoring as major advantages over other bids with shorter warranties.
Dr. Taylor said Musco offered an alternate bid to add colored lighting for the football field; district boosters have pledged a donation to help cover part of the project cost. The district plans the football field work for completion by the coming fall, with baseball and softball fields scheduled for the following spring.
On a motion, the board approved the lighting upgrade. The motion passed by voice vote with no recorded dissents.
Funding sources for the project were discussed at the meeting: staff noted existing PropSP facilities planning had identified lighting as a possible future project and that some roofing funds had been reprioritized after hail damage repairs. The presenters said contingencies remain for underground work (e.g., unforeseen conditions while drilling).
