Board approves $24.6 million transfer from fund balance to convert stadium grass fields to artificial turf

Greenville County Schools trustees voted to set aside $24,610,100 of unassigned general‑fund balance to convert several high‑school stadium fields from natural grass to artificial turf and to provide for annualized maintenance and replacement costs.

Facilities and athletics leaders presented rationale for the conversion: increased usage of stadiums (football, soccer, lacrosse and band), the inability of eight existing fields to meet preferred 180‑foot width for soccer/lacrosse, high maintenance costs and weather‑related game cancellations. The administration recommended a phased rollout over several fiscal years and an annual maintenance and replacement allocation of approximately $1,095,399 to smooth future capital needs.

Presenters outlined pros and cons: artificial turf offers greater durability, all‑weather play and reduced day‑to‑day painting and labor costs, and 73 of 78 coaches surveyed favored turf; cons include high upfront cost and heat‑retention concerns. The administration said they plan to use a wood‑product infill to reduce heat and avoid landfill disposal issues associated with older crumb‑rubber infill.

Trustees asked about safety, footwear, burn risks, warranty terms (presenters cited 8–10 year warranties) and equity across schools. Administration said the proposal aims for parity—installing turf in a phased plan but funding the program from fund balance so the district can keep rollout equitable rather than doing only selected schools. The board approved the transfer by voice vote at the end of the meeting; the motion carried.