MSAD 52 committee weighs vehicle swap and limits youth field use after heavy spring wear
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Summary
The district's PTV/transportation committee discussed switching a proposed purchase plan (three vans, two buses) to one bus and six vans, cited aging fleet and high mileage, and the superintendent banned youth programs from some fields for the remainder of the year because heavy spring use and rain damaged turf.
The MSAD 52 transportation and facilities committee reported plans to adjust its vehicle replacement request and described restrictions on youth use of school athletic fields after heavy spring wear.
PTV committee members told the board they are seeking updated pricing to change an earlier proposal from three vans and two buses to a purchase plan that would instead seek one bus and six vans because multiple district vans are high-mileage and some are out of service. Kyle Carrington, who reported for the committee, said the change is intended to maintain service while responding to the limited availability and condition of existing vehicles.
Committee members also told the board that wet spring weather and increased field use have damaged playing surfaces. Superintendent Carrie said she and facilities staff temporarily removed youth programs from a Turner Primary field for about two weeks and decided not to allow youth programs to reserve the fields for the remainder of the school year to avoid further damage.
On a separate facilities item, a member of district staff reported the Leeds water issue is resolved: "We were cleared as of Monday," said Shan (first name in transcript), referring to water testing results and saying the district was awaiting the formal written report but had been cleared to resume drinking water use.
Why it matters: The vehicle plan affects transportation availability for students, extracurriculars and community programs. The field restrictions affect youth leagues and local organizations that use district facilities; the superintendent said the decision prevents irreparable turf damage and preserves fields for school use.
What comes next: The transportation committee will refine pricing and bring recommended purchases to finance committee for budgeting; facilities staff will schedule field repairs and monitor turf condition. The superintendent and committee said they will pursue state approvals and engineering bids for planned field and wastewater projects where required.