Board approves Hellas pivot turf for King George High after heated debate over activity funds
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Summary
The Board awarded a $809,560 contract to Hellas to replace King George High School’s synthetic turf with a non‑infill pivot system. Debate centered on whether school activity funds should contribute; an amendment to draw $400,000 from activity accounts failed and the Board approved the contract by roll call.
The King George County Board of Supervisors authorized a $809,560 construction services agreement with Hellas (Pivot Turf system) to replace the synthetic turf at King George High School after a lengthy public and board discussion about project funding.
Procurement specialist Austin Wessel summarized the procurement: four RFP responses were received, Hellas scored highest and submitted a $809,560 proposal against a CIP allocation of $866,109. The vendor representative described the proposed Pivot Turf as a hybrid monofilament, non‑infill system with a shock pad, a 12‑year manufacturer warranty and an expected 10‑15 year lifespan; the product is marketed as avoiding crumb‑rubber infill linked in some studies to health concerns.
Vendor Reggie (Tenkata/Hellas) told the Board the pivot system reduces maintenance and eliminates crumb‑rubber infill — "a lot of districts are starting to move away from crumb rubber in totality," he said. He described recycling and removal options for the existing field and said the proposed system reduces routine grooming and infill replacement.
Superintendent/Dr. Jesse Boyd (speaking for the school division) and multiple supervisors debated whether school activity funds should be tapped to cover part of the county’s share. Dr. Boyd explained the school’s activity funds consist of roughly 50 subaccounts (band, theater, athletics, etc.) and that the athletic subaccount balance at year‑end is approximately $83,702; he said activity funds are audited annually and urged caution before reallocating funds raised for specific programs.
Chair Collins proposed an amendment to split funding ($460,000 general fund and $400,000 from school activity funds). That amendment failed for lack of a second. The Board then voted to authorize the Hellas contract; roll call recorded Stroud and Bender voting aye, Collins voting nay, Sullins aye, and the motion passed by majority.
The procurement presentation noted Hellas’ price is about $56,000 under the CIP amount; staff said contract execution would allow materials to be ordered immediately with a 30‑day lead time and a 70‑day construction window aiming for completion before the spring semester, weather permitting. Board members also discussed establishing a longer‑term plan for turf replacement funding so future maintenance or replacement is anticipated.
