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Community seeks upgrades at Marathon High; board approves Rex Weech field improvements and related contracts
Summary
Community representatives requested new bleachers, turf, drainage and storage at Marathon High School. The board later approved Phase 2 guaranteed maximum price amendments, a phase 2 GMP amendment for Rex Weech Field improvements and purchase of builder's risk insurance for the project.
Community volunteers and youth coaches urged the Monroe County School Board to fund upgrades at the Marathon High School athletic complex, and the board approved construction steps tied to Rex Weech Field improvements.
At the start of citizen input, Luis Gonzales, a Marathon resident and representative of the Mid Keys Boosters, described recurring field problems that forced a 2024 playoff game to be called and said the complex shows "the appearance of a 15'year'old field." Gonzales outlined a set of proposed upgrades: expanded bleacher seating and a centrally located press box, synthetic turf to reduce rainouts and maintenance, improved drainage to prevent flooding of dugouts, expanded secure storage and covered batting cages. Gonzales said the group had prepared a proposed plan and asked the board to include the items in the upcoming budget.
James Simcic, a youth coach and Marathon resident, echoed the boosters'request and said improved facilities would support growing youth programs and help sustain multi'team use of the field complex.
After public comment and reports, the board took several construction'project votes related to field improvements: - The board approved a Phase 2 guaranteed maximum price (GMP) amendment for the Rex Weech Field Improvements construction management contract. (Motion and second recorded; vote recorded as "hearing none, the motion passes" in the public minutes.) - The board approved an amendment to Phase 2 GMP 2 for Rex Weech Field Improvements and also approved purchase of builder's risk insurance for the Rex Weech field improvements project.
Why it matters: The public comments link to the board's later approvals. The Rex Weech votes begin a procurement and construction phase that could address the same field problems raised by community speakers.
Board members discussed how school'level "details" (extra law-enforcement presence at events) are funded from school discretionary accounts, while district-level safety positions and SRO salaries are in district budgets. Staff clarified that some event-related costs are not currently borne by the district general fund.
Formal action items captured in the meeting minutes that relate to athletics and facilities included approvals of the Phase 2 GMP, GMP amendment 2 for Rex Weech Field Improvements, and the purchase of builder's risk insurance. The construction consultant selection and additional oversight were discussed; staff said they would meet with a consultant to discuss a scope and proposal for construction oversight.
Sources: Public comments by Luis Gonzales and James Simcic; board actions recorded in the meeting minutes for the Rex Weech Field project and builder's risk insurance purchase.
