Escambia board debates facility-use rules, gates and signage after large tournament parking strain
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Summary
Board members recommended clearer facility-use policy, posted signage and lockable gates for some campuses after heavy parking and liability concerns at Brosingham/Lipscomb events; staff proposed Facilitron briefings and coordination with county officials.
A board member raised concerns after a recent large tournament at Brosingham/Lipscomb about spectators parking on school property and potential liability exposure, recommending that the district “secure the parking lot so that if someone does not have a facility use agreement… that we can close off those lots.”
The board discussed a package of measures including swing/pole gates, posting signage prohibiting non-school-hour parking on specific lots, and briefings on the Facilitron facility-scheduling software so members understand who is using campus spaces. Deputies and district operations staff said they are fabricating signs and proposed restricting non-school-hour parking only at lots where it is relevant.
Board members debated implementation details. Some urged that gates be closed consistently when not in use to reduce legal risk; others emphasized the superintendent’s need for operational flexibility to open gates for traffic flow or emergency access. One member recommended semi-annual reports from the superintendent listing facility-use agreements; another said such detail belongs with operational staff and recommended lighter oversight (annual or as-needed briefings).
Members also discussed county coordination for the county road and emergency access near the stadium cluster at Brosingham, and suggested an interlocal agreement could clarify responsibilities for road use and liability. The superintendent said district staff will work with stakeholders, including Pensacola Sports Association and county parks officials, and will seek to present a Facilitron overview in January and proposed policy language for board review.
No formal motion or vote was recorded; board members indicated general agreement on signage, gate controls for major tournaments and maintaining superintendent authority for day-to-day openings.