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After safety debate, Crosby ISD approves $76,796 ballpark netting contract
Summary
Trustees approved a $76,796.55 contract with Sports Netting Systems to add spectator netting to JV baseball stands after extended debate about safety, legal exposure and competing facility maintenance needs; vote passed 6–1.
The Crosby ISD Board of Trustees on Monday approved a $76,796.55 contract with Sports Netting Systems for ballpark netting, saying the hardening work aims to reduce spectator injuries at the district’s tournament‑quality baseball fields.
Trustee Philip Chapman (as referenced in the discussion) delivered a detailed, safety‑focused statement urging installation, cited NFHS recommendations and recent case law questioning the traditional “baseball rule,” and warned the district was risking serious injury if it did not act. "For the past 8 years, we as a district have been lucky that no serious injury has occurred... We're playing Russian roulette," he said in remarks to the board.
Other trustees acknowledged safety benefits but argued the district must prioritize spending for the greatest number of students — pointing to a 133‑page facilities assessment that lists classroom and maintenance needs. A trustee who opposed the purchase said maintenance and classroom safety should take precedence over a stadium net. The debate centered on balancing immediate spectator safety against other maintenance and capital priorities.
After discussion, Trustee Humphreys moved to award the contract under the interlocal purchasing contract and Trustee Chapman seconded; the motion carried 6–1. Trustee comments and staff responses in public session did not alter the board’s action to approve the netting contract.
The contract was awarded via the interlocal purchasing system and will be paid from maintenance and operations funds (as described during the discussion).
