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Board raises safety and maintenance concerns at Springstead field, inconsistent athletic ticketing and asks for estimates on Central track and Nature Coast band
Summary
Board members flagged safety hazards at Springstead High School’s baseball field, asked staff to improve inspection and cleaning procedures across campuses, raised inconsistent ticketing practices at athletic events, and requested cost estimates for repairing Central High’s eight‑lane track and exploring a band program at Nature Coast.
Members of the Hernando County School Board reviewed several facility and athletics issues, including a safety concern at Springstead High School, inconsistent athletic ticketing, and capital needs such as Central High’s eight‑lane track and a possible band program at Nature Coast.
Board member Johnson said he received pictures showing cracked concrete and improvised metal supports in the Springstead baseball batting cage, and reported “five lights out” on the field and “one of the poles was smoking,” describing the condition as a safety hazard. District staff present said three of the five field lights have been replaced and that maintenance worked with a local electrical contractor; the batter’s box may require demolition and repouring.
Board members discussed current maintenance procedures and accountability. A board member said school‑level staff, custodians and an athletic director should file work orders and that district maintenance conducts walk‑throughs and prioritizes repairs. District staff acknowledged existing checklists and periodic walk‑throughs but the board directed staff to tighten the inspection and reporting chain so issues don’t persist until raised by parents.
On ticketing, a parent email read into the record reported that Parrot Middle School accepted cash with tickets priced at $6 plus a roughly $1 service fee, while a West Hernando event did not accept cash and had a total charge of $12.67 for two tickets. Board members said athletic pricing is set by district policy and should be uniform across schools; staff asked for the email and said they would verify compliance with posted fee schedules and confirm that schools accept cash as required.
Board members also discussed larger capital items: a board member said Central High’s eight‑lane track is in the five‑year plan and recalled an estimate “over $2,000,000” to repair or replace it; staff said the project remains on the plan but a formal bid and exact amount will be confirmed. Members asked for a cost estimate and staff to report whether the project needs to be bid. Separately, board members said Nature Coast currently lacks a band room and that restoring a band program there would require space and allocation decisions; staff said they are exploring options with the school’s new principal and may use millage or continuing program funds.
No formal votes were recorded on these items at the informal meeting. Board members asked staff to provide follow‑up information: (1) a checklist and clearer inspection responsibilities for school facilities and athletic fields; (2) confirmation of athletic ticketing policy compliance and cash‑acceptance at events; (3) cost estimates and bid status for Central High’s track; and (4) a plan outline and space assessment for a Nature Coast band program.
