Members of the Washington County Board of Education opened discussion on whether to return high-school softball play to the South Central ball fields and whether a local lessee (Ruritan) should reimburse the district for preseason field repairs.

Athletics administrators and board members described the fields as needing infield work, base and plate resetting and pitcher's-mound work. The board recorded an out-of-pocket preseason estimate in the low thousands: "Right now, we're looking at probably somewhere between 5 and $7,000 to get the field ready," a school official told the board, adding that the school system had proposed a reimbursement cap of up to $10,000 in a draft lease provision.

Superintendent's staff reported that Ruritan would check whether it can afford to reimburse the district; the Ruritan representatives said the organization typically earns about $4,000–$5,000 per horse show and had only two shows this year, putting the proposed reimbursement in question. The board left the matter pending the lessee's response and said it would return the item to workshop if needed.

Board members also raised operational concerns that affect where games are played: officials and umpires prefer sites where doubleheaders are possible because pay and scheduling favor two-game blocks, which can influence whether referees accept assignments. One member noted safety concerns tied to a nearby liquor license application that was reported as not approved at the beer board meeting that day; the board did not take formal action on that topic.

Administrators said the draft agreement would require Ruritan to reimburse the district for documented materials and equipment rentals, with the district providing receipts. The board also discussed logistics including a requested 10-day lead time for field prep once an agreement proceeds and the season start date of March 1.

No vote was taken to move games; the board's immediate action was to await Ruritan's decision and, if the lessee confirmed reimbursement, return to the workshop or take up the item at a later meeting.

The board emphasized interest in keeping games in local communities where possible, subject to funds, field readiness and availability of officials.