Okemos board accepts major private donation to fund baseball turf, freeing bond dollars for other projects

The Okemos Board of Education voted unanimously to accept a private donation from the Politis family that the district says will cover the boys varsity baseball turf component of Bid Pack 5, potentially accelerating field work for both baseball and softball.

Administrators told trustees the district’s current estimate for turf versus grass across the fields was roughly $1.5 million; Brian Bradley, who summarized follow‑up questions from the board, said “the donation from the Politis family covers that expense for baseball” and the district would use bond funds to cover the girls’ softball field. The board voted to approve the donation agreement during the meeting (motion by Trustee Phelps, supported by Trustee Cavanaugh) and recorded a seven‑zero voice vote.

Why it matters: administrators said installing turf now avoids a year when the baseball program would be unable to host home games or practices if grass were installed (grass can require two growing cycles); Athletic Director Hintz told the board turf allows teams to play “as soon as they put it in,” eliminating a full season of lost home use. Operations staff said estimated routine maintenance for grass fields runs about $78,000 per year (mowing, sprinkler repairs, field prep), versus roughly $2,500 per year for turf maintenance, though turf replacement is an expected capital expense later.

Scope, timing and donor conditions: the district explained the project is currently between schematic design (SD) and design development (DD). Administrators said DD estimates will be presented to the board in March to refine costs and determine which noncore amenities (concessions, bathrooms, bleachers, press box) can be added now or later. Superintendent Hood and staff emphasized the board’s acceptance tonight covered the donation agreement; final project scope and budget will be determined after DD and the public bidding process.

The donation includes performance conditions tied to schedule: administration told the board the first installment is released on delivery milestones but additional installments are contingent on meeting an April 1 deadline for a playable field; if the district misses that date it would receive only the first installment. The district said it is working with construction partners (named in the packet as Veritas Tower and Christman) and the athletic director on scheduling to meet that timeline.

What the board approved: the motion adopted the donation agreement as presented; trustees asked for continued transparency and confirmation of March DD estimates before additional commitments are finalized. Administrators said accepting the donation would free an estimated $750,000 in bond dollars to reallocate to other projects if the district proceeds as planned.

Next steps: DD estimates will return to the board in March; administrators said bids and final numbers after DD will determine whether additional features such as restrooms and bleachers can be added immediately or must be staged for later depending on available bond funds and any future donors.