Superintendent seeks board support to pursue replacement video scoreboard for Jardine Stadium; insurance, booster club and district funds proposed

Superintendent Dr. Leese asked the Coffee County Board of Education on March 20 for authorization to pursue purchase of a replacement digital video scoreboard for Jardine Stadium after damage from Hurricane Helene.

Dr. Leese said the district expects approximately $57,000 from insurance toward the replacement and reported that the district’s local Touchdown Club representative, Romeo, had pledged about $30,000 toward the project. A local vendor provided an estimate of $189,494 for the video scoreboard, Dr. Leese said. He told the board the district would likely issue an RFP or competitive bid to secure the best price and product, and that final purchase approval would return to the board.

“We’re receiving approximately 57,000 from the insurance company to replace the scoreboard that’s damaged,” Dr. Leese said. He added the touchdown club “would partner with the district in approximately $30,000 contribution towards the project.” The superintendent said he would ask the board to fund remaining costs from district funds described in the work session as “East Bloss funding,” approximately $100,000.

Board members discussed timing, revenue generation from sponsorships advertising on the board, and whether to treat the purchase as a separate vote rather than part of the consent agenda. Members noted the stadium board could be used for graduation and other events and observed the purchase could create revenue streams to support athletics and nonrevenue sports. Dr. Leese and staff said they would pursue an RFP and return with firm bids and a final purchase request.

Ending: The board agreed to move forward with procurement steps and to place the item on the regular meeting agenda; staff will return with RFP responses and a recommendation for final approval.