Board defers decision on autocross/car‑club event after facilities, safety and liability concerns

The Weston County School Board deferred action on a proposed autocross/car‑club event that would use district parking lots after board members and staff raised concerns about safety, facility access and liability.

Board members told organizers to bring a revised event map and full documentation, including insurance and a security plan, and set a March 12 deadline for the paperwork. The board did not vote to approve the event at the meeting.

Facilities staff and several board members described multiple operational concerns if the event proceeds on school property: contractor access to gym floors, potential damage to sprinkler systems or windows, controlling vehicle speeds in paved areas, parking overflow and impacts to school programming. "Sitting in this chair, I think it is a horrible idea," the district’s maintenance/operations staff member said during the discussion, citing risks of damage to campus property and the practical need to preserve access for contractors and school operations.

Organizers had previously proposed multiple configurations; board members said a later map submitted to them added an autocross/pit area adjacent to building access and widened the course in a way that increased staff concern. One board member reported organizers told the district the map would be reconfigured and said Pam and other organizers planned to return with an updated layout at the next meeting.

The board listed specific items it wanted from organizers before any approval: a revised site map that protects building access and contractor routes; a written security plan and staffing for closures and pedestrian control; an insurance certificate naming the district; a clear plan for where attendees will park and how on‑site parking will be managed (including whether parking fees would be collected and how revenues and vendor access would be handled); and confirmation that the school would retain priority access for maintenance projects (for example, scheduled gym floor work).

Members emphasized that the school’s maintenance team must be able to complete scheduled work (a gym floor contractor had prebooked dates and the maintenance chief said he needed unencumbered access). The board asked administrators to collect and forward organizers’ responses and requested the information by March 12 so the board could make a timely decision.

No formal action was taken; the item remains a discussion item pending receipt of documentation and a revised site plan. Organizers and several board members said they intend to meet before the next board meeting to try to resolve the outstanding questions.