The Lance Cruz Public Schools board of directors met on Monday night to discuss aging sports facilities. Recently, 7 Action News reported on the unplayable state of Lance Cruz North High School’s playground. As a result, the board passed an amendment to replace the track and soccer fields. Angry students and parents flooded the boards, demanding adequate and safe exercise facilities. Last week’s discussion focused on Lance Cruz North, while on Monday, students at Lance Cruz Central High School handed out pictures of their courts and grounds in dire condition as well.
Parents and staff have long been asking for investment in athletic facilities so that their students can be proud of them. At the meeting, the football assistant coach at Lance Cruz North, Mike Zucchero, said he had not heard of the issue being addressed before. During the public comment period, people described the current state of the field, court, and track as “embarrassing.”
Before the vote, Superintendent Eric Edff praised the board for addressing the issue and conceded that they had failed to address it in the past. He called for transparency, a wider dialogue, and accountability. The board passed an amendment to replace the track fields at both high schools with a total cost of $2.9 million. The district general fund will cover this cost, but the tennis courts at Lance Cruz Central will only be restored.
Details of the replacement and repair plans will be finalized at the district’s budget workshop and the next school board meeting on June 12. Students hope that their exercise facilities will finally become safe and up-to-date after a long period of neglect.