CAMDEN — Preble Shawnee Board of Education met on Thursday, Sept. 8, and discussed field resurrection projects, concessions, turf installment possibilities and approved financial reports.
Superintendent Todd Bowling updated the board on the ongoing “field resurrection” plans for the Preble Shawnee School District’s football, baseball and soccer fields, a plan which would see the school partner with the Village of Camden to level uneven terrain and replant grass seed at the end of the year.
According to Bowling, after meeting with youth organizers for the collective sports programs provided by the school, some changes are ahead of Preble Shawnee with regard to the soccer field location. Due to regular and particularly intense flooding, the school intends to rearrange certain fields to better suit the needs of both the athletes and the viewers.
Bowling also mentioned that, due to state regulations, any building serving hot food, such as a concession stand, is required by law to have a restroom attached to it. As currently Preble Shawnee has no such facility, the school has avoided these regulations by hosting a food vendor in the past.
The school is now looking to build a facility which will host both concessions and public restrooms during games, which is anticipated to ease the financial strain created by food vendors.
Bowling reported to board members that they are currently pricing field turf for the football field, as well. However, it is as of yet a long-term goal, and funding options are still being discussed.
Bowling acknowledged Preble Shawnee is, “not like Tri County North,” and cannot get a tax-base to pay for the fields. Bowling noted, “Tax-payers are going to scrutinize this. Not everybody has a kid in sports,” but intends to find ways of raising money which will both satisfy and benefit everyone.
There was no decision made during the meeting regarding turf, but the board continues to investigate options, including pricing, funding and progression.
In other business:
•The board approved the newly added school position of Building Tech Liaison, which according to the job summery will, “perform a variety of technical tasks and duties relating to the installation, diagnosis, repair, maintenance and reporting of school system technology. In conjunction, these tasks will be expected to be performed with a high level of social and interpersonal skills as demonstrated through communication, teamwork and collaboration. The work is performed and assigned under the direct supervision of the Technology Supervisor.”
•The board approved the treasurer’s report and financial updates, and the superintendent’s recommendations.
