Cheshire board approves $7,500 design study for CHS track and field after debate over failed turf referendum

The Cheshire Board of Education on a — majority vote approved a $7,500 contract with SLR for preliminary design work on the Cheshire High School track and field project, moving the district closer to a combined track-and-turf referendum question.

Board member Tim Ecki, who sponsored the motion, said the existing turf will be 15 years old this November and argued the district is “really rolling the dice every year that we don't replace that,” framing the study as urgent maintenance to protect athletes and youth sports users. Several members echoed safety concerns; one member said, “I don't want a kid to tear an MCL or an ACL on that turf,” urging the board to act before facility failure removes community resources.

Opposition centered on process and public support. Board member White cautioned against immediately returning the question to voters after a recent referendum defeat and proposed asking the town council for a special $7,500 appropriation and an acknowledgment of process errors. White said a public acknowledgement would help reduce the perception that the proposal was being “shoved down” voters' throats. The board voted on that amendment and it failed; the underlying $7,500 expenditure carried with one member recorded in opposition.

District staff and consultants described the $7,500 as the preliminary design stage of a larger design budget (the packet lists about $30,000 for complete design services). Emily Taylor, presenting the capital updates, said the preliminary work would provide renderings and a probable cost estimate and that the board could later decide whether to include the work in the capital plan and present a combined referendum question for turf and track.

Board members discussed alternatives to a quick referendum return, including improved public outreach, coordinated messaging with the town council, and the option to stage turf and track work in separate years if cost or public appetite made that preferable. Several members urged the board to present a clearer scope and better communications plan if the district seeks voter support.

The vote authorizes staff to proceed with SLR's preliminary design work; any later design phases, permitting and construction budgeting would follow regular capital‑planning steps and, where appropriate, a public referendum.