The Bryan school board Monday night approved several capital projects, including the additional of artificial grass surfaces at Bryan and Rudder High Schools.
The estimated cost, $1.4 million dollars, will come from remaining bond money approved by voters in 2008. The grass football field at Merrill Green Stadium will be converted to turf and at Rudder High School there will be the addition of a 50 yard turf field that will join grass practice fields.
The project will also replace the track surface at the Bryan High stadium, which administrators said had to be done regardless of trading grass for turf on the football field and adding turf at Rudder.
Before the trustees unanimous vote came questions about expenses in other areas.
Trustee David Stasny asked where the district was on computers and other technology needs. Chief Technology Officer Barbara Ybarra says there is enough state money to address those items.
Comments from Barbara Ybarra.
Stasny and trustee Doug Wunneburger questioned the priority of other building repairs. Executive Director of Planning and Operations Grady Slaydon says this summer, air conditioning chillers will be replaced at Stephen F. Austin and roofs will be replaced at SFA and Bryan High.
Asked about recent storms flooding Johnson Elementary, Slaydon says it was a one-time event caused in part by a blocked drain.
Activities Director Harry Francis is projecting a football revenue increase of $50,000 dollars, in part due to Bryan High’s move into a new district.
Comments from Harry Francis.
Artificial turf at both high schools will be used by multiple athletic and extracurricular programs, and Merrill Green Stadium will be pitched by administrators to outside organizations for revenue producing playoff games and other events.