Lexington School board talks turf, facilitates, renovations
*This story will be updated as requested public information is provided*
Decisions regarding facilities, including a review of a more than $750,000-plus plan to replace the district’s football field with synthetic turf, dominated the Lexington City Schools Board of Education meeting on Tuesday night. The school board held its regular monthly meeting at the Lexington Middle School Media Center to discuss technology, renovations, rebuilding and drainage issues.
A motion to proceed with a turf option for the district’s football field, which was approved last month in a three (Darrick Horton, Debra Verdell, Brent Wall) to two (Angela McDuffie, John Burke) vote at the special called Sept. 22 meeting, was revisited by the board. The board previously heard a proposal with a $940,000 price tag to replace the field with AstroTurf or $580,000 for natural grass by Ben Palmer. According to minutes, “An in-depth comparison of the two types of fields was described including the storm drainage and ground level/removal that goes with each choice.” The minutes provided on the district website note “There were a couple of typos in the estimate that was provided and Mr. Palmer will submit a copy to attendees.” {Copies have not yet been made public}
Two board members, Margaret Loda and Katherine Hinkle, were not present for last month’s Special Called meeting. The recommendation came with an understanding that drainage issues would need to be resolved on the field which could be covered by Davidson County as an expense.
On October 5th the board heard a related proposal from Garrett Bayer. SKM_C650i21100709320 (boarddocs.com) The price for the field was stated at $750,000 with additional expenses for replacing the track area.
McDuffie asked the board to reconsider the motion that passed by a narrow margin at the special called meeting in September, pointing out two members were not present.
“Is the turf a need right now?” said McDuffie. “There are other priorities that we need here… That can be on our list.” Horton noted the football field would need some type of covering when the drainage is replaced. “We are going to have to do one or the other,” Horton explained. Last month’s board decision came with the agreement to be completed before the 2022 football season, according to the minutes. “Where is this money coming from?” McDuffie queried. Superintendent Dr. Anitra Wells was invited to the podium to follow up on questions of financing. Her response was brief. “When you all hired me you challenged me to make sure we are in good financial health. This year, we will add some more dollars so our funds balance. That’s all I can say…” McDuffie made a motion to rescind last’s month’s decision; Burke seconded.
The board asked Bayer to bring back financing options for the stadium renovation. Wells stated that she did not think “financing” the turf would be look upon favorable from the county as the school is requesting funds for building renovation projects.
Final Resolution to rescind the turf vote: Motion Failed
Yes: Angela McDuffie, John Burke
No: Darrick Horton, Margaret Loda, Debra Verdell, Brent Wall, Katherine Hinkle
Allow the motion from the previous meeting carries; a firm has not been awarded the contract.
Other agenda items included the following:
· Closed Session
· According to the district’s website, “The ‘Bee Somebody’ award recognizes hard work, good character and individuals who go above and beyond expectations to make their school a better place to learn.”
· October “Bee Somebody” Recognitions:
Shannon Goss - Teacher at Southwest Elementary Global Academy
KeAndrea Glover - TA/Reach Associate at Pickett Elementary School
Susan Best - ESL Teacher at Pickett Elementary School
Mia Lebarre - 4th Grade Student at Pickett Elementary School
Stacy Ellison - Teacher at Lexington Middle School
· The Mask Policy in accordance with Senate Bill 654 were placed on the consent agenda along with student transfers. Lexington City School requires masks indoors. According to the policy, “Masks are required of all students and staff regardless of vaccination status upon school property unless an exception applies. Medical exemptions MUST have medical documentation. For sincerely held religious belief exemptions, parents should put such requests in writing to the school principal.”
· There were no appearances to petition by citizens at the meeting.
· McDuffie reported on the Lexington City Council Meeting she attended on behalf of the school board. She shared that the mayor and council applauded the renaming and tour of the Southwest Elementary Global Academy.
· Under Business and Finance, the board acknowledged they are currently operating under last year’s but hoped to resolve this after an audit in December.
· The district’s finance director presented an update on the budget and spending noting a potential surplus in funds that could carry over into the next year. “In looking at our prior budget, we show a potential carryover of $10 million.”
· The board heard a presentation regarding health insurance and recommended adding additional insurance coverage of 10,000+ per year to annual benefits. No action was taken at this meeting.
· The board heard a presentation on a Digital Learning Initiative with the goal to Inspire, Ignite, innovate. The team said the plan focused on what’s best for the students, district and teachers. Currently, the district has an Apple or Google device available for every student.
· The board reviewed a presentation from Dan Norman of Ramsay Burgin Smith Architects, Inc. His report is in the public section of Board docs under agenda item DPI - Renovations by Phases. Norman reminded everyone that plans, phasing and funding are subject to approval from the Davidson County Commissioners. Options included new construction or renovation of Lexington Senior High and renovation of Lexington Middle schools. The board reviewed recommendations for instruction during specific phases. This was considered a “First Read” by the district’s personnel.
· A recommendation for technology for students and parents along with remote hotspots included contingency plans for long-term closure or weather events. Student surveys will be sent home to determine if families prefer an iPad or ChromeBook. The board debated how to handle equipment that was damaged or not returned and evaluated comparable systems policy on replacements.
· The board discussed upcoming travel plans to school board conferences with a concern that March elections could shift several seats of members not seeking re-election. There was discourse as to when terms would end and transition take place after the election. Transition dates have yet to be clarified by the Board of Elections or board.
