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Central parents say new athletic facility sits unused, urge district to provide weight equipment and transportation
Summary
Parents of Central High athletes told the Little Rock School District board that the school’s new multimillion-dollar athletic facility lacks weight equipment and that students still use an unconditioned basement “staff dungeon.” They asked the district to move equipment, provide athletic transportation and keep utilities on through the summer.
Parents of Central High School athletes told the Little Rock School District Board of Education on May 15 that the school’s new multimillion-dollar athletic facility is not yet usable for students because necessary weight equipment has not been installed and athletic transportation is lacking.
The issue surfaced during public comment when Misty Outlaw, a Central alumna and parent, said the school’s athletes — “close to 500,” or about 20% of the student body — still train in what she called the “Staff Dungeon” at Quigley Stadium and that the makeshift space lacks air conditioning, has experienced plumbing and sewage problems and caused at least one student to contract a staph infection. “We have a multimillion dollar facility that was recently built … but it is not able to be used to its full potential at this point because we do not have equipment to use,” Outlaw said.
Courtney Emery, who identified herself as a booster-club leader and parent, echoed the request and said volunteers and parents have been working to supply water and food but lack clear communication from the district on the status of ordered equipment and whether fundraising will be required. “Do we need to do fundraising? Where is that communication as the booster to get those funds?” Emery asked.
Parents asked the board to delay any planned utility shutdowns that would cut power to the new facility, citing a June 1 target date mentioned in public remarks. “Please don’t shut the electricity off June 1,” Emery said, adding that coaches should not have to drive students in personal vehicles without reimbursement.
Superintendent Dr. Mike Poore (Dr. Wright in meeting remarks) acknowledged the parents’ concerns during the meeting’s financial and facilities discussion and said staff are investigating the outstanding orders and project completion. Finance director Michael Bailey said the district would investigate activity-fund balances and booster-raised money for equipment and work with athletics and facilities staff to clarify the procurement and delivery timeline. He told the board the district would “get to the bottom of it” and update the board in June.
Why it matters: Parents said the delay affects hundreds of students across multiple sports and undermines safety and program momentum built under recent coaching and community efforts. They pressed the board for clearer communications about procurement status and for a district-led solution to ensure students have access to the facilities built for them.
What parents requested - Move ordered weight equipment into the new facility or provide district funds to cover the purchase; parents asked for clear timeline and status of any orders. - Athletic transportation for summer practice and events, rather than relying on coaches’ personal vehicles. - Avoid planned utility shutoffs that would prevent student access to the new facility.
District response and next steps - Superintendent said staff are reviewing procurement records and the activity-fund balances raised by boosters. - Finance and facilities staff said they would report back to the board with status and proposed solutions at the June meeting.
Provenance: Parents’ comments and district staff responses appeared during the public comment period and the later finance/facilities discussion (transcript timestamps 2134.10–2528.92; 5703.46–5764.41).
