At the Dec. 16 meeting, district finance staff and facilities leaders presented a request to replace the turf and refurbish the track at Bentonville West High School and asked the board to authorize a contract with Hellas. The presenter said the district received quotes and planned to do both projects simultaneously to reduce costs, and reported a guaranteed maximum price of $948,950. "We have a guaranteed maximum price for both the turf... and the track refurbishing for $948,950," the presenter said.

The facilities lead explained the existing turf is roughly 10 years old and has reached "end of life" because both football and soccer use the field heavily. Board member Bill moved to approve the contract; Jeremy seconded. During discussion, board members asked about lifespan expectations and whether the old turf is recycled; staff said Hellas takes back the old turf and repurposes it but will not resell it.

Becky called the roll and the board voted unanimously in favor of the contract among members present (Tatum, Bill, Jeremy, Rachel, Jennifer). Staff said work would likely start in May and take six to seven weeks.

The board approved the guaranteed maximum price and directed staff to proceed with the contract process.