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West Oso ISD patients and coaches praise new dugouts, batting cages after renovation; board hears budget questions for bleachers and fencing
Summary
The board heard an update on recent renovations at the district's baseball and softball fields including enclosed dugouts, new turf and batting cages; coaches and student-athletes thanked the board and donors while trustees discussed next steps to fund bleachers and fence screening.
West Oso ISD officials and coaches on Monday showcased renovations to the district's baseball and softball complexes, saying the work has modernized dugouts, added storage and batting cages and improved practice and warm-up space.
The presentation began with student players and coaches speaking to the board. Isaiah Galwan, a sophomore and starting second baseman, told the board: "I would like to say thank you to everybody and the school board for getting us what we've got for this program this year with the new good dugouts, new equipment, and that it will be very useful for this season." West Oso softball players also addressed the board and thanked donors and coaches.
Coach and program leaders described specific improvements: both home and visitor dugouts were enlarged and enclosed; turf has been extended and will be painted; shelves and helmet/bat storage were installed; a new storage shed and a bullpen area were constructed near the parking lot; and a full batting cage with turf and nets is completed at both fields. Presenters said much of the work was done with district activity-fund dollars and donated labor from alumni-owned contractors, named in the meeting as Daniel Gonzales and Gilbert Martinez.
Board discussion: trustees and the athletic director asked about missing amenities and next steps. Board members and coaches discussed bleachers, windscreen/fence slats to prevent drive-up bypassing of ticketing, and how to staff ticketing/concessions (the district uses paid staff or booster volunteers for concessions but said ticketing generally requires a paid employee). Coach and facilities staff said bleacher work is pending and would require a budget amendment or outside donations.
Costs and donor support: presenters said the dugout work is about 95% complete and noted that some materials were salvaged or donated; the district said the dugouts and batting cage work were completed for significantly less than typical quotes because of donated contractor time and materials. Trustees asked facilities staff to estimate costs for fence slats and a long ramp or bleacher upgrade so the board could pursue donors or include items in future budget planning.
Context and next steps: Ms. Moore and the facilities team asked board members to watch for donated materials (local leagues replacing older equipment), and encouraged supporters to make sponsorship offers that can be applied to online ticketing and facility advertising once windscreens and fencing are in place. Facilities staff and coaches recommended adding perimeter screening and permanent seating in a future budget cycle or via donor-funded projects.
Ending: Board members praised coaches and student-athletes for their leadership and the visible improvements to the fields. Facilities staff said final cosmetic touches and paint were expected within weeks; the board asked for an estimate for fence slats/bleacher work to evaluate donor and budget options.
