York County highlights family-engagement growth; staff to pursue study on Grafton turf after utility concern
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Summary
Officials reported 64 family-engagement events and more than 20,000 attendees so far this year; the board also discussed Grafton High School turf after Newport News Water Works's verbal denial and vendor offers to share the cost of an environmental/runoff study estimated at up to $30,000.
Brian Friess, associate director of student services (elementary), told the board that the division has recorded 64 family-engagement events so far in the school year and an estimated attendance exceeding 20,000 individuals, placing the division on track to exceed last year's totals. Friess highlighted events tailored to academic supports, parent education and student voice, and described a public-facing dashboard where the community can review events by school and purpose.
Following the family-engagement update, the board asked for an update on a proposed turf field at Grafton. Bill Bowen said Newport News Water Works verbally declined permission for a turf field adjacent to the reservoir, citing concerns that synthetic-turf runoff could exceed the utility's tolerance for watershed impacts; the utility offered that a study could be done to provide a definitive answer and suggested cost-sharing. Bowen said the vendor AskproTurf previously offered to cover half of a study; staff had been quoted a study cost up to $30,000 last year. The board directed staff to contact Newport News Water Works and the vendor to clarify interest and cost-sharing and to pursue the study so the division can rule the turf option in or out and plan alternatives for the available funds if necessary.
Friess's engagement report and the turf discussion show parallel operational work: continuing community outreach while staff resolve facilities constraints and regulatory concerns ahead of final CIP decisions.