Superintendent urges $4.3 million bond for Burke County athletic fields; coach objects to permanent lines

The board considered a request to move forward with a multi‑field athletic project that staff estimated at roughly $3.3 million and proposed bonding $4.3 million to cover the full scope and contingencies.

The superintendent presented vendor proposals, saying the vendor packages from Hellas Turf and pricing through BSN break out options for a single field or both a main football field and an auxiliary/softball field. He cited a combined line‑item subtotal of $2,315,823 for both fields, a $33,000 two‑field discount in the bid, and separate pricing of about $900,144.75 for grandstands and a press box. The superintendent said the district expects further costs — architect fees, bonding fees and an interior field‑house renovation estimated around $500,000 — and therefore recommended bonding $4,300,000 so funds would be available for the full project and future construction contingencies.

Why it matters: staff told the board that bonding a larger amount would leave construction funds available for later projects and reduce the need for emergency change orders; the board will need to decide whether to authorize the bond before vendors proceed.

Board discussion and alternatives
Staff and members debated scope, timing and alternatives to permanent field markings. A meeting participant relayed concerns from the softball coach, saying, "She said she does not want football lines or soccer lines on the softball field," and recommended removable barriers or temporary paint if the district wants multipurpose use. Another member and staff noted that temporary synthetic turf paint can be used seasonally and that the design could keep the infield free of other sport markings.

On lifespan and warranty, a presenter with turf experience said the turf carpet generally lasts about 10–13 years but that the shock pad underneath carries a "25‑year warranty" and protects the subbase, which he described as a long‑term return on investment that could extend the surface lifecycle.

Costs, repairs and budget timing
The superintendent and finance staff said total project costs would include the turf surfaces, auxiliary field work, bleachers and press box; they also flagged a concession‑stand repair estimated at $25,000–$30,000. Staff said state funding calculations that affect district capacity to bond will be finalized around May 1, and recommended allowing extra bonding capacity (the proposed $4.3 million) to avoid underfunding contingencies.

Architect recommendation and formal motions
The superintendent recommended hiring RBS Design Group of Owensboro as the project architect and said RBS offered a small reduction from the state fee schedule. A committee member moved to proceed with the full athletic project and to bond $4,300,000 to cover costs and contingencies. Another motion to use RBS Design Group as the architect was also recorded. The transcript records both motions on the record but does not include any recorded votes or a final outcome in the provided segments.

Next steps
Before any final decision on bonding or contract awards, the board announced it would move into an executive session under the statute cited on the record for personnel matters; attendees were asked to step out and the meeting concluded with a motion and second to adjourn. The transcript contains no recorded vote on the bond or architect motions within the provided segments.