School board approves moving forward with synthetic turf design for Summit Middle School track

The MSD Southwest Allen County Schools board voted to move forward with design work to install synthetic turf at Summit Middle School’s track and field, after staff presented a cost and operations comparison.

Mrs. Libby told trustees that the most impactful advantage of synthetic turf is “the dramatic increase of availability and reliability of the field throughout the year,” saying turf reduces downtime after drainage issues and storms. Staff estimated capital costs of about $1,200,000 for synthetic turf versus roughly $800,000 for a natural grass option. Over a 20‑year period, staff projected an operations‑fund impact of roughly $40,000 for turf (about $2,000 per year) compared with roughly $440,000 for natural grass.

Trustees questioned the figures and the effect of recent tax‑limit legislation on operations revenue. Mrs. Libby cautioned that changes tied to Senate Enrolled Act 1 and current property‑tax caps will reduce the district’s operations levy in coming years and factored that into the recommendation to use debt funds for upfront capital while relying on lower annual maintenance for turf.

A motion to proceed with the synthetic turf design was moved by Mister Parker and approved by voice vote; no roll‑call tally was recorded in the transcript.

The board directed staff to continue the design phase and return with detailed cost analyses and implementation plans, including long‑term maintenance obligations and any recommended funding sources.