As we reported earlier, the new turf fields which were installed with over $2,000,000 of our tax dollars have had many problems with sink holes since they were installed last year.  We also reported that the School District was well aware of a sink hole problem on the grounds before they installed the fields.  Yet, they went ahead with the installation without any stipulation in the contract to cover sink hole repairs.

Since the fields were installed last year the School District has spent over $72,000 on repairs of sink hole damage.  Additionally, in order to repair the football field, the turf is cut and removed so work can proceed underneath.  The turf is then reinstalled.  If you look at the field, the repaired areas are obvious as you can see where the turf was cut and repaired and where the field is no longer level.  This has to reduce the life of the field and the integrity of the turf.

It was reported at the August, 2009 School Board meeting that they "hope" they have no further problems.  Since there have been at least 3 or 4 sink hole repairs after heavy rains, there are obviously no assurances that it will not happen again.

The sad truth of this situation was evident at the August School Board meeting as the School Board refused to add a teacher to KD Markley in order to reduce the large 5th Grade Class sizes (see article on KDM), stating that budget considerations caused them to reach that decision.  During that discussion at the meeting it was stated that a new teacher costs approximately $75,000.

What are the priorities of our School Board?

Click on this link More Holes in Turf Fields to read our original article on the turf field sink holes.