A school district in Monroe County wants to spend more than $1.5 million to upgrade some of its athletic facilities.
Parents, students, and taxpayers showed up at Stroudsburg High School for a school board meeting Wednesday night.
Several taxpayers argued that they shouldn't have to foot the bill for a track and field project that costs$1.6 million. Despite the opposition, the board approved the project with the hopes of getting the money back.
Stroudsburg high school's cinder track is apparently not a great experience for some athletes.
"People can get injured. It's not very pleasant to run on," said Kristy Strunk. "It's hard on your feet especially."
The turf at the school's football stadium is another issue.
"Usually we practice on a different field, so we don't tear our game field up, but sometimes games can be cancelled because it's raining," said Brandon Fenner.
At the meeting, the board approved a $1.6 million project that would pay for an artificial turf field and a new all-weather track. The facility will be similar to East Stroudsburg South which debuted its new track and field earlier this year.
"Please don't ask these people who are struggling to survive to come up with a couple of millions of dollars to pay for this turf," said Eileen Porter.
The board approved the project 7 to 2. Under the plan, the district will borrow the money from an existing bond.
Members of a volunteer group which supports the new facilities promised to try to repay the district.
"Corporate sponsorship, there's other things to make the dream a reality to get that money back," said Tom Gioglio of Parents For Turf and Track.
The goal is to have the new track built and the new turf on the field by September, 2010.
Parents, students, and taxpayers showed up at Stroudsburg High School for a school board meeting Wednesday night.
Several taxpayers argued that they shouldn't have to foot the bill for a track and field project that costs$1.6 million. Despite the opposition, the board approved the project with the hopes of getting the money back.
Stroudsburg high school's cinder track is apparently not a great experience for some athletes.
"People can get injured. It's not very pleasant to run on," said Kristy Strunk. "It's hard on your feet especially."
The turf at the school's football stadium is another issue.
"Usually we practice on a different field, so we don't tear our game field up, but sometimes games can be cancelled because it's raining," said Brandon Fenner.
At the meeting, the board approved a $1.6 million project that would pay for an artificial turf field and a new all-weather track. The facility will be similar to East Stroudsburg South which debuted its new track and field earlier this year.
"Please don't ask these people who are struggling to survive to come up with a couple of millions of dollars to pay for this turf," said Eileen Porter.
The board approved the project 7 to 2. Under the plan, the district will borrow the money from an existing bond.
Members of a volunteer group which supports the new facilities promised to try to repay the district.
"Corporate sponsorship, there's other things to make the dream a reality to get that money back," said Tom Gioglio of Parents For Turf and Track.
The goal is to have the new track built and the new turf on the field by September, 2010.
