District accepts $50,000 Tampa General Hospital grant for fitness court at Central High; board agrees to match at minimum $50,000 and pursue fundraising

Matt Goldberg and Central High principal Kelly Slusser presented a grant award and proposed project to install a Fitness Court at Central High School, funded in part by a $50,000 grant from Tampa General Hospital.

Goldberg showed a campaign video and described a four‑point plan for student and staff use, citing Central’s ROTC unit, athletics and PE classes as primary users. “We have been selected [by] Tampa General Hospital,” Goldberg said, and added the district was also building a similar installation at Veterans Park in Spring Hill.

On cost, Goldberg referred to a budget sheet that lists $170,000 as the project cost; during discussion another participant stated the project could be “$220,000 to build one of these courts,” a figure Goldberg qualified as a worst‑case estimate that includes artwork and all components. Goldberg said cost savings (for example, donated concrete) often reduce the final out‑of‑pocket cost.

The district discussed funding options: a $50,000 Tampa General grant, potential fundraising, and use of wellness funds (money the district receives from Blue Cross Blue Shield). Board counsel and staff said the district’s letter of intent indicates the district will match at least $50,000 and work to secure additional external fundraising “within 120 days of the notice of award.” Counsel said she would seek clarification on exact timing and whether “secured” means a funding commitment or funds in hand.

Board members discussed who would use the installation: Slusser said Central High’s enrollment is about 1,450 students and cited ROTC (about 300 students), 20+ athletic teams and PE classes as frequent users. Goldberg said the grant’s terms allow employee access at night via badge access; staff said custodial/night crews close back gates at about 11 p.m. and the plan would limit access overnight.

The board agreed by consensus to sign the letter of intent and to earmark a minimum $50,000 match from wellness funds pending clarification of grant terms and fundraising progress; staff will pursue fundraising and report back. Counsel noted there is no contract yet and that any additional district expenditures beyond the pledged match would need formal board approval.

Staff also noted possible in‑kind donations that could reduce cost (for example, donated concrete), and board members suggested pursuing local fundraising partnerships (examples discussed included community sponsors and the Navy/ROTC).