Board approves $81,720 practice turf and reaffirms MHSAA membership to protect tournament eligibility

The Bedford Public Schools Board approved two athletics items aimed at expanding practice space and preserving student eligibility for postseason play.

Superintendent Carl presented a plan to turf an existing practice area adjacent to the stadium, creating a multi‑stripe practice surface for football, lacrosse and soccer and additional stretch/workout space. The administration recommended no logo and no immediate lighting; the board discussed storage and equipment enclosure plans and county drainage coordination. Carl said the vendor Mommy Bay offered an exceptional price; he reported the full contract for the turf and adjacent 35‑yard area totaled $81,720.

“We were able to do the field as well as the 35 yards to the south of the field for additional stretching space and workout space for a total of $81,720,” Carl said during the discussion.

Board members praised the project’s benefit to athletics scheduling and safety, noting frequent late practices and limited usable grass during wet or frozen spring conditions. Facilities staff said the main stadium turf has held up well and Mommy Bay provides prompt service on warranty items.

Separately the board approved the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) 2026–27 membership resolution, required for district teams to remain eligible for district, regional and state tournaments. The membership motion passed on a roll‑call vote (Amy Bissell, Cole, Todd, Megan, Griffin, Lisa and the chair voted yes).

Both motions passed by roll call; the turf contract was recorded by the administration as within the board‑approved budget for capital projects.