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Nantucket superintendent outlines $26 million plan to renovate Vida Cupizzo Stadium
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Summary
Superintendent Lisonbee Hallett presented Article 12 at the 2026 Annual Town Meeting, proposing a $26 million renovation of the Vida Cupizzo Stadium that would add a synthetic turf field, regulation track and ADA-compliant grandstands; estimated tax impact is about $44.48 annually on a $1,878,950 home for 20 years if approved.
Lisonbee Hallett, superintendent of the Nantucket Public Schools, presented Article 12 at the 2026 Annual Town Meeting, outlining a $26,000,000 proposal to renovate the Vida Cupizzo Stadium and athletic complex to serve students and the wider community.
Hallett said the stadium, built in 1995, “is now in need of significant renovation.” She described growing demand for athletics as enrollment and participation have increased, saying “nearly 70% of our students play at least 1 sport each year.” Hallett said the district currently operates a single grass field that must support multiple sports, which limits maintenance options and affects field conditions.
The proposal, as Hallett described it, would replace the existing turf with a synthetic field, add a regulation running track so the school can host meets, and construct ADA-compliant grandstands and press box. It also calls for new permanent public restrooms, a concession facility, a field house for storage and energy-efficient, dark-skies-compliant lighting.
Hallett gave the project cost and an example of the tax impact: “This is a $26,000,000 investment,” she said, and added that if Article 12 is approved at town meeting and at the town election the tax-rate impact for a year-round property valued at $1,878,950 that qualifies for the residential exemption would be approximately $44.48 annually for 20 years.
The superintendent framed the renovation as a long-term investment in safe, accessible facilities for current and future Nantucket students. The proposal will be decided by voters at Town Meeting and, if approved there, at the subsequent town election.
