Public comment at the Nov. 17 Nantucket School Committee meeting centered on whether to renovate Vito Capizzo Stadium with synthetic turf and a coated track. Students and parents delivered petitions and testimony — one student told the committee, “I come here today with 300 signatures” in favor of a turf field — and parents and coaches argued grass cannot sustain heavy year‑round use.

Superintendent presented a decision timeline and said the district has engaged Weston & Sampson to provide updated analysis of PFAS detection technologies, independent verification data, and environmental and health impacts of synthetic turf systems. He said that firm will present findings publicly at one of two December meetings (Dec. 8 or Dec. 16) and that, if the committee supports a particular project, it would then go to the capital committee and the finance committee for review ahead of a possible town meeting article.

Committee members pressed for an absolute deadline for capital/finance committee consideration; the superintendent said he hopes to have an answer by Dec. 16 to meet warrant printing schedules in January. He noted the 2022 review informed previous planning but the new engagement reflects updated PFAS science, manufacturing practices and regulatory guidance.

Speakers at public comment raised both safety and environmental points. Kate Garrett, an ER nurse, urged the committee to follow independent laboratory testing and cited Burrillville, R.I., where third‑party testing reportedly found PFAS levels “extremely low” or non‑detect in selected turf materials. Student athletes described injuries and constraints from the current gravel track and uneven grass, arguing turf would permit consistent training and reduce cancellations.

The superintendent said the district will hold a student forum if logistics allow and reminded the committee that any formal plan would require sequential municipal reviews (capital → finance → town meeting) and possible adjustments from union negotiations or calendar decisions.

Next steps: Weston & Sampson’s report is expected for a December meeting; the committee will use that report to determine whether to present a warrant article for town meeting.