Unit 40 Board Revisits Possibility of Turf Field at High School

The Effingham Unit 40 Board of Education Tuesday revisited the issue of an all-weather field for the outdoor complex at Effingham High School.

The turf field has been a topic in recent months. The general feeling of the school board has been that a large portion of the project cost would have to come from private donations.

There has been discussion that the field would benefit more than just the football program. To that point, the Board heard from football coach Brett Hefner, but also from Unit 40 Director of Bands Trent Mason and from high school soccer coach Weston Peno as to the benefit the turf field would provide their programs. 

There was no vote on the issue at Tuesday's meeting, but the general consensus is that if at least half the estimated project cost of more than $1.4 million could be raised privately, the Board could consider the matter further. It's hoped a decision could be reached on the issue at the regular meeting coming up later this month. Considerable lead time would be needed to have the project completed in time for the next school year.

Board member Desha Wear was unable to attend Tuesday's meeting.