Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Facilities And Programs topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board hears updates on $13M stadium project and parents press district on security, bathroom conditions and color‑guard displacement
Summary
Facilities committee reported $13 million stadium project with about $8 million spent; parents raised concerns over lack of security at a band event, poor restroom conditions at the high school, and repeated displacement of the color guard by the adult‑school basketball program.
The facilities committee reported capital-project progress and community members used public comment to press the board on multiple facility and student‑access issues.
Mr. Burdell Williams reported that the district has budgeted $13,000,000 for the high-school stadium project and has spent approximately $8,000,000 to date, with turf, bleachers and a new clubhouse under construction. He acknowledged weather-related delays but said significant progress has been made.
Several parents raised facility and safety concerns in non‑agenda public comment. Keisha Rodwell Green (United Parents Group co‑president) said no security personnel were scheduled for the district band home show on Feb. 14 despite large crowds and cash handling; she described parking problems and said a Cheltenham police officer was present only because of a prior request. Rodwell Green also alleged that Cheltenham Adult School use of the high‑school gym has repeatedly displaced the color guard team, forcing practices at other sites and on Sundays. She told the board she would file right‑to‑know requests regarding agreements between the district and the adult school and for staffing comparisons with peer districts.
Band parent Crystal Stryker described bathroom fixtures out of service and graffiti in visitor restrooms, saying the condition is not the impression the district should present to guests. Jeff Stryker, speaking on behalf of the color guard, described transport and safety challenges: a 50x70 vinyl floor that can weigh some 300–400 pounds must be hauled by students and parents; he asked the district to provide a working trailer and drivers to reduce risks.
Board and administrative response: Facilities chair acknowledged the community feedback and asked administration to provide updates to the public about timelines and project impacts. The superintendent earlier in the meeting had described safety‑audit recommendations and said the district will post the full audit and pursue operational fixes; Keisha Rodwell Green thanked the superintendent for moving on items that had been requested previously.
What happens next: Parents signaled they will follow up with right‑to‑know requests and with the district about transportation and facility supports for extracurricular programs; the district indicated continued project updates and community communications would be provided.
