The Madison City Schools Board of Education meets this evening at 5 p.m. Because of the COVID-19 outbreak, the CDC recommends that meetings be limited to no more than 10 people. However, all school board meetings are to be open to the public according to state law. The best way to view the meetings this evenings is online through a livestream. You can access it by going to www.mcs.eduvision.tv/LiveSched.aspx.

Click here for a copy of this evening’s agenda.

One item on the agenda is the approval of bid for artificial turf on athletic fields. Former superintendent Robby Parker gave a presentation in Feb. in favor of adding artificial turf fields at the Madison City Stadium and high school practice fields at Bob Jones and James Clemens.

Parker said the cost analysis of replacing the natural grass field in Madison City Stadium with artificial turf comes after several years of study. He said the initial cost of about $800,000 will be recouped from savings of at least $74,312 in annual maintenance on natural grass fields, not having the expense of moving games, and potential revenue producer from other events leasing the field.

The district would also realize big savings by the new middle school being built near the stadium using it rather than paying to construct and maintain a new school stadium.

Parker also gave a cost analysis on artificial turfing the James Clemens practice field and re-turfing the Bob Jones practice field due to increased use.