Stadium closed after light pole shears off; district files insurance claim

The Riverside Local School Board heard an update that a stadium light pole sheared off and fell across a driveway on Sunday, striking district vehicles and forcing closure of the field.

Mr. McIntyre told the board the pole struck two new vans; the district has filed a claim with its insurer and scheduled a crane to lift and remove the pole. He said one van appears salvageable and mechanics are removing broken glass and securing vehicles. The district closed the stadium and has an inspector coming to review three remaining poles for structural soundness and to advise whether further poles need replacement or anchoring.

Board members and staff discussed the age and condition of the lighting; presenters said the poles were installed in 2002 and the metal‑halide fixtures the district used are no longer manufactured. If all four poles must be replaced, officials estimated a retrofit or full replacement could be on the order of several hundred thousand dollars; staff said insurance will cover part of the cost and the district will pursue coverage for additional replacements if inspectors find the other poles unsafe.

District staff said the damaged fence will be repaired and that one crane company will remove and reposition the fallen pole the following day. The board noted the incident occurred when no events or people were on campus; no injuries were reported.

The meeting moved on after the update; staff committed to return with inspector findings and any recommended safety or capital‑funding steps.