Washington County board approves Boonsboro boosters agreement, approves artificial turf over safety objections

The Washington County Board of Education voted 4-2 on Nov. 18 to approve a memorandum of agreement with the Boonsboro Athletic Boosters to fund and construct athletic-facility improvements at Boonsboro High School, including installing artificial turf, new lights, a press box and a relocated baseball field.

Supporters said the upgrades would modernize facilities used by multiple sports, marching band and the wider community, and that a public-private partnership would shift up-front costs to the booster club while providing a plan for future replacement funding. Opponents, however, cited injury data and lifecycle costs as reasons to withhold support.

Board discussion focused on two main concerns: athlete safety on artificial turf and long-term cost. Two board members referenced national studies and statements by the NFL Players Association showing higher rates of non-contact lower-extremity injuries on turf in some samples; one member said data showed a 28% higher rate of non-contact lower-extremity injuries and urged the board to prefer natural grass where feasible. Supporters noted the project included donor commitments and that the booster agreement provides funding for the first installation and a plan for future replacements, reducing near-term capital pressure on the district.

District staff said the agreement requires the booster club to have funds in hand before construction begins, to provide seed money for the first replacement and to pay remaining amounts in installments during the early life of the field. Staff also said the board's obligation for turf replacement would likely fall about two decades in the future, and that the boosters would contribute seed money toward replacements.

During debate, board members also raised marching-band needs, maintenance requirements for grass fields, and the precedent that may be set if one high school receives a major field upgrade. After discussion, the motion to approve the memorandum of agreement passed with a 4-2 roll call; the student member concurred.

The board did not specify a vendor in the motion; the memorandum requires final contract review and that boosters meet funding conditions before work begins. There was no specific price for the initial installation stated in the board motion; boosters and staff referenced fundraising commitments and expected replacement costs over time.

The approval clears the MOA to proceed to contract steps and local fundraising milestones. Staff said they will return to the board with final contract documents and confirmation that booster funds are in hand before construction starts.