Board delays decision on multi-year lease for First Flight High baseball field after precedent and access concerns

The board heard an extended discussion of a proposed multi-year summer lease for the First Flight High baseball stadium during the Nov. 7 meeting.

Administration said the draft lease (dated in the packet) would run approximately June 1, 2025, through July 31, 2027, and recommended the superintendent be authorized to sign the lease once the lessee establishes a legal entity. The administration also requested a waiver of a policy that limits leases to one year to allow a multiyear term that would make the venue more attractive to owners and spur investment.

Board members pressed for detail on schedule conflicts, the age of players and priority for school events. Several members voiced concern that routinely waiving the policy could create an undesirable precedent and asked for features that would protect district use and permit contract termination if the lessee failed to maintain the field.

Administration said the draft includes annual facilities-use submissions and a termination/exit clause drafted with legal input. Administration also indicated the Old North State League sees multi-year terms (three years was proposed) as a way to encourage owners to invest in teams and community amenities.

Because of unresolved concerns and requests for more time to review the lease language and schedule attachments, a motion was made and the board voted to table the lease and consider it at a special meeting on Nov. 22. Administration agreed to circulate the lease and take board questions in advance of the special meeting.

Decision: board tabled the proposed lease to the Nov. 22 special meeting pending review of the lease, schedule attachments and answers to board questions.