Board debates turf fields and CIP timing; staff estimates about $8 million per turnkey field

School planning staff told the board that turf-field projects would require design, county permitting, and coordination with stormwater rules and track replacement schedules, and that a turnkey estimate could be about $8,000,000 per field.

"If we were to put this on the CIP, it would go in for FY28 because FY27 was presented and approved by the board in October and sent up to the state," Shachita Warner, director of planning and construction, said. Warner said turf projects would need design and permitting by the county (roughly a six-month design-to-permit timeline) and that track resurfacing requires temperatures of 45 degrees and above, constraining the work window. She also reported preliminary turnkey price tags that, including a press box and stands, could be about $8,000,000 per field. Warner said staff can do upfront site and soil work in the next months to provide confident dollar figures for a fall CIP submission.

Board members framed the turf discussion alongside other priorities. One board member stressed that the highest priority is ensuring negotiated staff contracts are funded and avoiding cuts. Public commenters urged that county leadership allocate existing funds to support facility improvements rather than cutting instructional programs. "I want them to give us the money," a public speaker introduced as Steve Krause said during public comment, urging county leaders to fund field and stadium improvements. The board asked staff to develop cost estimates that include full design, permitting, irrigation and associated track work before deciding whether to amend the CIP.