Clay County Schools MUST READ!
( Students and Parents )

The School Board as I am told will be voting on 4/1 on whether or not to pay for chemical treatments for our Athletic fields.The treatments that keep the grass healthy, insect free, and green. The Superintendant, Chief Academic Officer, and the County AD are all in favor of voting yes to this proposal. I believe EVERY AD in the county is backing this proposal. It is a good proposal, fair proposal, and the right proposal.
It is my understanding that this item has been on the board agenda for some time now and that the board is refusing to move forward with it. Ashley Gilhousen has abstained from the vote because a relative of hers is one of the company owners. The right thing to do. But that means it MUST come to a vote and three members must vote yes.
Her relative though has done our fields for some time now.Not only has he sprayed and taken care of our fields but on several occasions went the extra mile and helped to build a new pitchers mound, took up grass, lent machines as we needed, and repaired sprinkler heads... very often at no cost. Oh and by the way... he takes care of the Jaguars field and I know at one time, maybe still... did the Suns/Jumbo Shrimp field as well.
Two companies were recommended by a panel and they were selected because of the services to be rendered and price.
Now the County Administrators are arguing for approval for safety reasons. Stronger, healthier fields have tend to have fewer divots, holes, etc. Fewer stickers. Less chance of Injury to an athlete. All well and good. They feel this is their best plan of attack.
How about this instead. It's about time we took pride in something in Clay County. How about our kids and Athletes deserve nice fields. You have been to other schools, other counties and marveled at the Athletic complexes. Seen the money that was sunk into them and witnessed the payback, the reward. OUR kids / Athletes deserve better.
Our fields are not only used for Athletics either. They are used for Band competitions, ROTC, Special Olympics, Graduations, and a myriad of other events.
If the school board does not approve this contract not only will the companies they are voting on not be able to do the fields... No companies will be allowed to do so. Oh wait it gets better... Schools wont be allowed to pay for the service out of their internal counts either. Can't do it on their own as well... not licensed.
Simple and short truth of this is that it is insane... and political.
Again, County Administration is for it. All Athletic Directors are for it. I can't think of any Coach that wouldnt be for it. It's needed and the right thing to do.
Our Superintendant said in 30 years... he has never seen an RFP ( request for proposal ) turned down. But for some reason we can't even get a vote on this one. I encourage you to ask WHY?
The meeting is on 4/1/21 at the Fleming Island Teacher Training Center. We need everyone to show up and make their voice heard. It is that important. But dont take my word, ask the AD's, and the coaches.
Please Share this and get this approved.

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