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Athletic advisory urges turf fields, staffing and trainer upgrades; board signals support
Summary
A parent-led athletic advisory committee recommended installing synthetic turf on high-school fields, a routine maintenance and capital plan, pausing program expansion until staffing is restored, and adding certified trainers at middle-school events; the board discussed next steps and noted turf is planned for the new fourth high school.
The Frederick County School Board heard a year-long review by the athletic advisory committee on June 16, during which the committee urged the division to prioritize field upgrades, staffing improvements and safety supports.
Jason Miller, the committee chair, presented recommendations that called for—first—strategic installation of synthetic turf on play surfaces and a formal routine maintenance schedule tied to capital planning. "We're wholeheartedly behind the county's drive to turf as many of those fields as possible," Miller said, arguing synthetic turf increases playability and extends community-use opportunities.
The committee also recommended pausing expansion of new athletic offerings until existing staffing shortfalls are addressed and a feasibility standard is applied to any new program request. Miller told the board the group compared stipend and staffing levels with neighboring divisions and urged clearer sport-by-sport staffing standards and improved school-to-school flexibility.
On safety, the advisory urged the division to secure certified athletic trainers for middle-school events and consider transitioning middle-school athletic director stipends into permanent, dedicated positions.
Board members noted recent progress: a presentation during committee discussion confirmed turf fields are slated for the new fourth high school and the project is tracking under budget. The board did not adopt immediate policy changes on the floor; members asked staff to return with options, costs and an implementation timeline.
If the board advances any of the committee’s recommendations, staff said the next steps would include feasibility studies, budget alignment and coordination with building-and-grounds and finance committees.
