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Rockport Fulton ISD accepts $1.955 million Chapman donation for turf, approves contractor and bond-funded upgrades
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Summary
The board unanimously accepted a $1,955,003 donation from Tim and Debbie Chapman to install turf on the district’s baseball and softball fields, approved Ryan Sanders Sports Services LLC to install the turf under an interlocal contract, and authorized $393,856 in bond funds for complementary facility upgrades; motions passed 6–0.
The Rockport Fulton Independent School District board accepted a $1,955,003 donation from Tim and Debbie Chapman on April 14 and approved a package of field improvements that combines the private gift and bond-funded upgrades.
On the donation, Superintendent Doctor Austin thanked the Chapmans and described the gift as "an investment in our students, our schools, and our community" that will pay dividends for future athletes and spectators. The board voted unanimously, 6–0, to accept the funds and to record the donated revenue in the district’s general fund.
The board also approved a contract with Ryan Sanders Sports Services LLC to install baseball and softball turf using an interlocal purchasing agreement (board contract No. 737-24). Mike (facilities) told trustees the turf supplier’s package includes a 10‑year warranty and annual off‑season maintenance visits to replace pitcher’s mounds and batter boxes.
Ancillary upgrades — dugouts, bullpens, fencing, foul poles, benches and related site work — were estimated at $393,856 and will be paid from bond 2022 funds. The superintendent explained the procurement structure: donated funds will cover the turf surface while bond dollars cover other facility improvements the bond committee planned to fund. The board approved the interlocal procurement method and delegated authority to the superintendent to select contractors from participating cooperatives; the motion carried 6–0.
Business officer Miss Henderson recommended a budget amendment to record the donated revenue and appropriate it for the turf project; trustees approved the amendment unanimously. According to facilities staff, including Mike Nowotny, the district and vendor coordinated annual warranty service that includes replacement of wear items such as pitcher's mounds.
What happens next: the superintendent will finalize contractor selection under the interlocal agreement and staff will return with implementation timelines and any additional contract documents as required by district policy. The board did not discuss a construction start date at the public meeting.
Votes at a glance: Accept donation $1,955,003 — approved 6–0; Approve Ryan Sanders Sports Services LLC for turf installation — approved 6–0; Approve $393,856 in bond-funded ancillary upgrades — approved 6–0; Budget amendment to record donated revenue and appropriations — approved 6–0.
