Wed Sep 18 16:47:00 UTC 2024: ## Columbus School District Faces Public Opposition Over Proposed Football/Track Complex Upgrade
**COLUMBUS JUNCTION** – The Columbus School District’s plans to upgrade its football/track complex have sparked heated debate among local residents. A public hearing held on September 9th saw both support and strong opposition to the project, which could utilize SAVE (Secure an Advanced Vision for Education) revenue.
The district is considering two options: repairing the existing grass field and upgrading track facilities for an estimated $700,000, or replacing the grass field with artificial turf and upgrading the track for a total of $1.65 million. The latter option would require the use of SAVE funds.
While Superintendent Michael Volk highlighted the project’s benefits, including improved drainage, updated facilities for district events, and wider community use, several residents voiced concerns over the cost and the need for such an extensive upgrade.
Former school board members Wayne Finke and Bob Schwab questioned the severity of the field’s condition, suggesting simpler solutions like reseeding could be more cost-effective. Former athletic director Jake McCullough, however, argued for the need for upgrades to meet event standards.
Other residents like Diana Billingsley, Tessa Pugh, and Steve Siegel questioned the long-term viability of artificial turf, citing its shorter lifespan compared to grass. School board members responded that the artificial surface would require less maintenance than the current grass fields.
Although the school board has not yet finalized its decision, a resolution passed after the hearing included the $1.65 million artificial turf option. However, board member Todd Heck expressed concern over the language of the resolution and cast the sole dissenting vote.
The debate over the project continues, with the school board now tasked with weighing the benefits and concerns expressed by residents before making a final decision.
First Piper 