APRIL SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
MORE THOROUGH REVIEW NEEDED TO APPROVE ARTIFICIAL TURF
The Northwestern Lehigh school board voted to rescind their vote of March 27, to approve a contract to install artificial turf. Board president, Willard Dellicker voiced concern that the vote was taken without adequate review by the board. It was stated that the board received the proposal on March 20, and it was scheduled to be voted on March 27. After taking the vote there arose several questions that left the board feeling they had not taken due diligence, not only on their options for the turf, but questions concerning the contract, the company and undefined costs for preparation of the site.
It was stressed that this was not necessarily the end of the turf debate, but a start over for a more in depth study of all the details.
There is a question as to the health effects of the ground up tires for the base. There still is a question as to the possible increase of injuries.The company involved has had 478 lawsuits and is at present in a federal and state class action suit concerning their warranty
The cost of this project is estimated to be $2.15 million. The turf is warrantied for 8 years after which it may need to be replaced. There is concern that the ground up tire base, for which the EPA has not completed its study, could be ruled a hazardous material and could result in a large unforeseen cost to the district in the future.
The meeting was attended by a large contingency of the coaching staff. One logical argument was that the grass field is used by many different teams and in bad weather becomes overused and in poor condition. Most of the arguments focused on envy of Parkland and other large schools who have turf. It was stated that the students where embarrassed by playing on natural turf. There were no students who spoke, but at least 9 members of the coaching or former coaching staff spoke. All where in favor of the turf.
Kevin Dellicker spoke against artificial turf of any kind. He gave the most logical and reasonable presentation, based more on facts than on emotion.
I have little doubt, that the majority of the residents of the district are not aware of this debate about artificial turf. They usually find these things out after the fact. The board should consider referendums on controversial subjects. While the board would still need to do the due diligence on these issues, the actual decision could be made by the community.
Enrollment report shows enrollment of 2122, down from a high of 2400 in 2006.
All members of the community are encouraged to attend school board meetings.
If the coaches want to be like Parkland they should get a job there. No place for a me too attitude! The sports dept should put its effort in the health of our students not trying to relive there childhood.
ReplyDeleteOur professional teams use grass, why can't we! Stop wasting our money and educate our children.
ReplyDeleteThe coaches at NWL should be like coaches at the NYAA, no pay. If they do it for love of sport they will do this community service. FREE!! We see NYAA as the answer.
ReplyDelete