Toronto school board questioned about ball field
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TORONTO -- Members of the Toronto school board Thursday were urged to install artificial turf on the ball field used by the high school's softball team.
Steve Rebich, grandfather of a Red Knights softball player, noted in recent years about $1.8 million has been invested in artificial turf at the high school's football and baseball fields and suggested the school's female athletes have been discriminated against.
He said runoff that has caused the field to become saturated has forced the softball team to practice on the school's football field in recent years.
"I'm really disappointed. Actually, I'm appalled," said Rebich.
Board Vice President Andy Reeves said the board, in collaboration with the city and the city's softball league, made many improvements to the field, which is part of the city's Michael Simpson Park, between 2015 and 2020.
He and Superintendent Maureen Taggart said they included refurbishing the infield and outfield, an indoor batting facility, a new dugout, concession stand and fencing and the installation of a catch basin to collect runoff from the adjacent hill.
Reeves said he was told it would be costly to pursue drainage structures for the infield because of rock beneath it.
But he said while in the past, it could take two or three days for the field to dry following a heavy rain, it now is normally ready for play the following day.
Board President Jay Foster noted when the school district's five-year levy was up for renewal in 2020, the board agreed to allocate funds from it for improvements to athletic facilities since most of its school buildings were new.
Foster said artificial turf for the softball field has been discussed and could be considered if the levy is renewed in two years. But he added Taggart also is working with city officials to explore grants for the park.
Foster noted the board transferred the field to the city because it could secure grants for it and the field also is used by non-school related groups.
Rebich conceded that drainage issues at the field have improved but said he will continue to push for the artificial turf.
He suggested admission could be charged for the games instead of informally collecting donations from attendees.
Reeves said past experience has taught him that often "passing the hat" yields more funds than charging admission.
He told Rebich, "Having two daughters (in the school district), I don't feel they're being slighted."
Foster told him, "We want you to know as a board, we hear your concerns. It's already in talks."
Dave Manning, who was among a handful of visitors attending on the same issue, offered his assistance.
"Tell me what to do and I'll help in any way. They deserve turf and any way we can help, we'll help."
The board also heard from students in Michelle Blazak's anatomy class at Toronto High School who have created life-size depictions of various systems of the human body on sheets of paper about 4 feet wide and up to 10 feet long.
Blazak explained the illustrations began with a tracing of the student's own body onto which each is instructed to sketch one of 12 body systems of their choice, adding details about its functions.
The projects are worth up to 600 points of their final grade, she noted, adding it encourages students to learn time management because aside from a class session allotted each week for them and occasional other sessions, much of it is done on their own time over a five-week period.
"I don't grade them on artistic ability but they usually they look great," she said as Noah Karaffa, Taylor Hill and Nathan Liddick stepped up to display their projects.
Hill noted she chose the female reproductive system because she's interested in a career in gynecology.
Blazak said the works will be among science projects displayed at the school's Science Night, which will coincide with its Art Night and will be held at 6 p.m. May 11.
In other business, the board:
— Recognized Toronto Elementary School for being named a Purple Star School, an honor given to schools that designate a staff member to connect families of military members to various resources and hold a special event acknowledging those in the military for their service. Taggart said all Toronto schools conducted a Military Spirit Week this week.
— Approved the $24,188 purchase of a gas combi-oven for the junior-senior high school's cafeteria, an expense to be paid from a grant from the National School Lunch Program; and the $10,466 purchase of two sousaphones for the school's band, with the Toronto Band Parents covering the cost for one.
— Gave consent for the Family Dollar store to seek a state permit to sell liquor. Taggart said the measure is required of the business because its property abuts school property and the same step was taken by other businesses in the nearby Sloane Station plaza that sell liquor.
— The board's next meeting will be held at 5 p.m. May 18.