BOE discusses football turf at Jellico High School

Tiller Stadium currently has a natural grass surface (PHOTO COURTESY OF ANDY ALOYSIUS)

JACKSBORO, TN. (WLAF)- Talk of turf prompted an extended debate at Tuesday’s Campbell County Board of Education meeting.

A budget amendment to fund a turf football field at Jellico High School was motioned for approval by Fifth District, and board chair, Steven Morgan. The money to complete the project had been funneled in from various sources including salaries from vacant teaching positions.

“I am the instigator,” Morgan said of the proposed project.

Second District School Board Member Sharon Ridenour motioned to table the amendment out of concerns regarding procedure. Morgan countered that with a motion to approve the allocation of funds.

Questioning the price of the project, Third District School Board Member Johnny Byrge expressed concerns about $850,000 being the total price tag.

Tiller Stadium football field currently has a natural grass surface.

That price could be reduced if the BOE purchased some of the items, Morgan said. Proposing the construction be taken “a step further,” Byrge recommended the project include baseball and softball fields.

The debate continued about if an architect was needed and comparisons made between the cost of the Jellico project versus the money spent on Campbell County High School Football projects, which was $1.7 million.

Second District Board Member Brent Lester clarified the motion. “Are you just asking for the money to be set aside” until a cost can be determined, Lester asked.

“Yes,” Morgan said.

“My only thing was the procedure,” Ridenour said noting she supported the overall proposed project.

The motion passed with only Byrge voting no.

After the motion passed, Fourth District School Board Member Josh James said tennis courts should be added at Campbell County High School.

“If we are going to have athletics let’s be the best,” he said.

The proposed tennis courts were not made in a formal motion.

(WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED 3/14/2024-6AM-PHOTOS COURTESY OF ANDY ALOYSIUS)