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Board approves Westview High synthetic turf contract 6-1 after brief debate
Summary
The Beaverton School District board approved a contract for a multiuse synthetic turf design for Westview High School by a 6-1 vote; board member Tammy Carpenter voted no and cited long-standing concerns about turf safety and environmental impacts.
The Beaverton School District Board of Directors voted 6-1 on Aug. 12 to approve a contract authorization for the Westview High School baseball/softball multiuse synthetic turf design, completing installation work authorized in the district's bond program.
Board member Tammy Carpenter cast the lone "no" vote, saying she routinely opposes new artificial turf installations because of concerns about orthopedic injuries and microplastics. "The players ... work really hard to try and get turf removed because of the orthopedic injuries associated with artificial turf," Carpenter said.
District staff noted the project was part of the district's 2022 bond program and that the Westview project is the last of the district's six comprehensive high schools scheduled for field installation under that bond.
Vote and motion
A motion to approve the contract authorization was made and seconded; the board chair called for a voice/hand vote. The tally recorded in the meeting was six in favor and one opposed (Carpenter). The board approved the contract.
Why it matters
Board members and staff said the turf is intended to provide a year-round, multipurpose surface for athletics and other activities. Carpenter's objections echoed long-standing public concerns over turf and potential health and environmental effects.
What the meeting record shows
- Motion: "I move to approve the contract authorized" (mover not specified on the public record) - Vote: Yes 6, No 1 (Tammy Carpenter) - Outcome: Approved - Context: Project was included in the 2022 bond program and is the last comprehensive high school field installation under that bond.
Ending
The board did not direct staff to change the design or scope during the discussion. Board members asked staff to summarize the reasoning and safety findings related to turf for the benefit of new board members during the meeting; staff said comprehensive studies and peer-district experience support installation and that no bans exist in Oregon.
