District staff recommends $1.29 million conversion of Robertson High stadium to turf; board delays vote

District staff recommended that the LAS VEGAS CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS board approve a $1,292,774.51 contract to convert Robertson High School’s Cardinal Stadium to artificial turf and to address associated track repairs, but the board declined to act and asked for a special meeting to allow more public input and to review a third option.

The recommendation was presented by a district staff member, who said contract protections and additional administrative steps with the Public School Facilities Authority would be completed before work begins. "I would recommend, that the Robertson High School Cardinal Stadium field conversion be approved at $1,292,774.51," the staff member said.

Student speakers and parents urged the board to approve upgrades, citing player safety and scheduling problems. A student who identified herself during public comment said the existing grass turns to dirt by mid-September, forcing players to compete on poor surfaces and causing injuries: "Turf would be an advantage to us and our team," she said, adding that 3:00 p.m. start times force parents to miss work and reduce student attendance at games.

Contractors presented two technical approaches: a repair-focused option that addresses underlying aggregate and base issues, and a structural-spray option with colored surface zones. One contractor warned that top-surface repairs can mask deeper base problems and recommended thorough site cleanup before any surface treatment. Board members and staff also discussed an unreviewed "Option 3"; staff said pricing for that option would be provided to the board before a decision.

Staff noted product timing and schedule constraints: one presenter said the turf product has a six-week domestic manufacturing lead time and that the contractor would confirm whether the August 17 timing could be met. The staff presentation included renderings of color and logo options and offered both the existing red treatment and alternate finishes for board review.

Rather than vote, a board member urged delay so the public could speak and asked staff to schedule a special (possibly virtual) meeting this week that would meet the 72-hour notice requirement. The board did not adopt the conversion contract at the meeting; the next procedural step is the special meeting during which the board will consider staff pricing for Option 3 and hear additional public comment.