Board approves $6,996 in cheer mats for Davidson Middle School to improve safety and hosting capacity

Athletic director Brian Buchanan and Joseph Smith, athletic coordinator at Davidson Middle School, asked the board to approve a set of seven carpeted cheer mats to give middle-school cheerleaders a safer, competition-ready surface.

"Student safety always comes first," Joseph Smith said when describing the vendor choice (Tumble Track) and the mats' role in reducing skin burns and providing proper traction for tumbling and stunting. The presenters said the mats will let the middle school practice on surface consistent with competition settings and reduce wear from moving mats between sites.

The quoted vendor price was $6,996.03; the motion before the board capped the purchase at $6,996 for the current year and specified the mats will be stored at Davidson and used by Southgate school programs. The board approved the motion by voice vote.

Officials noted Davidson plans to host a competition on Dec. 18 and that owning a dedicated set will support hosting; the mats' lifespan was estimated at 8–10 years with proper storage and care, and a 24-month manufacturer warranty was included in the purchase.