Students, parents press Upper Dublin board for baseball field upgrades; parents dispute prom contract choices

Public comment at the Jan. 26 Upper Dublin School District board meeting focused largely on two community concerns: upgrades to the varsity baseball field and parent questions about prom venue contracts and safety.

Multiple speakers — students, parents and longtime township residents — described the varsity baseball field as unsafe and behind neighboring districts’ facilities. Student speakers cited recent athletic success: "Most notably, last year, we won the 5A state championship," one student said, adding that the team cannot host playoff games at Upper Dublin because the field does not meet PIAA requirements. Players and parents described uneven surfaces, lips in the infield, large bumps and divots that they said cause unpredictable bounces and injuries.

Noah Watson, a team member, presented two funding/upgrade options: a full turf conversion that he said would cost about $3.5 million (after applying $14,000 the booster club had saved since 2018, he cited a remaining $3,486,000) and an essential‑upgrades option (dugouts, scoreboard, warning track, fencing) that he estimated at about $128,000 after booster funds, with annual maintenance of roughly $3,000–$3,500. Students and parents asked the board to consider these options and noted they had contractor quotes ready.

Other public speakers urged specific improvements (permanent dugouts, scoreboard, dugouts, water and electricity access) and connected safety concerns to a post‑tornado condition that, they said, has not been fully remediated. A longtime resident who has umpired games recommended raising the field’s standard so Upper Dublin could host playoff contests.

Parents advocating on the prom venue issue questioned the district’s statement that it is contractually bound to existing prom agreements. An advocacy group representative said maintaining contracts appears to conflict with the district’s stated prioritization of student safety and requested copies of signed contracts, a list of alternatives considered, and further explanation of cancellation or relocation options.

Superintendent Dr. Smith responded that district staff, including the solicitor, reviewed the prom contracts and that administration had directly contacted venues during the review. He said a response to the parent advocacy group will be provided and reiterated that safety and education are top priorities. The presiding officer also noted that the finance committee has placed both the varsity baseball field and Cardinals Stadium on the capital plan for evaluation.

Board members acknowledged and thanked student voices and expressed support for evaluating field improvements. Several members said calendar timing and facility reviews had been discussed previously and that they will continue committee review and planning.

What happens next: the board indicated the finance committee is reviewing capital needs for the baseball field and Cardinals Stadium, and administration promised follow‑up on prom contract questions. No formal votes on field upgrades or prom contracts were taken at this meeting.