Multiple sources have reported that last Thursday, Christian County’s Board of Education approved an $840,000 bid for artificial turf at the Stadium of Champions — part of a $1.6 million overall renovation project that has arrived well under budget.
Following discussions about turf safety, longevity and possible warm temperatures on the surface, board member Lindsey Clark was the lone nay vote for the measure.
Johnna Brown, director of communications for CCPS, said the district had budgeted more than $2 million for the turf and some ancillary improvements at this complex.
Brown said this upfront move would save money in the long run, while allowing for a more full track, football and band experience at the Stadium of Champions.
Future goals for CCPS, she said, include the ability to host comprehensive weekend track meets, as well as the coveted Class 3A Regional championships — things that, right now, just can’t happen.
Further improvements to historic Stadium of Champions — perhaps an elevator to the press box — have not been decided at this time, per Brown, but immediate changes are expected to come for stadium access road.
With CCPS set to graduate its final Hopkinsville and County classes Friday, May 22, Brown said work on the field is expected to begin Tuesday, May 26, and a tentative completion date is early August.
As for the new high school, Brown noted officials already have their temporary certificate of occupancy, with a full certificate anticipated June 1.
A reason that community and stakeholder campus tours have been recently limited, she added, is because the site still has a lot of dust and mud, and nicer furnishings are now being moved into classrooms and workspaces.
Per reports, the turf does carry an eight-year warranty and should last at least 15 years.
In other CCPS news:
+ Governor’s Scholar Program recipients from Christian County Public Schools were among those honored. From Christian County High School, students recognized included Tristin Dillard, Cooper Fort, Caleb Luttrull and A’Niyah Wilford. From Hopkinsville High School, honorees included Evelyn Bangart, Kaley Bangart, Tyson Cavinder, Kaydon Coats, Azaa Enkhtugs and Lester Macario.
Students selected for the Governor’s School for the Arts and Governor’s School for Entrepreneurs were also recognized. Christian County High School students Addison Renshaw and Cody Smith earned selections for GSE and GSA respectively, while Hopkinsville High School students Evelyn Bangart, Kaley Bangart and Madelin Macario were selected for GSE.
+ The board also highlighted accomplishments through the Student Technology Leadership Program. Diera English was named a state champion in Creative Digital Arts for “Line and Brush.” Caleb Fears and Isaac Stewart earned top scores in statewide Certipalooza cybersecurity and IT support challenges while also earning multiple technology certifications.
+ The board also considered multiple construction change orders tied to the new high school project, along with purchases for athletic equipment, welding equipment, telephones, docking monitors and kitchen equipment for the new campus.
+ The meeting concluded with a closed session involving proposed or pending litigation, student matters and preliminary discussions related to the superintendent’s evaluation. No action was taken.
