The Vian School Board convened for its monthly meeting on March 12, to discuss a range of important topics, including the approval of an artificial turf football field, new staffing for the upcoming school year, and the adoption of a new flag policy.

Artificial turf decision

In a divided vote, the board members approved moving forward with plans to install artificial turf on the football field at St. John Stadium. The proposal, which has been discussed for several months, passed with a 3-2 vote. Board members James Thornton, Joe Paul Simon, and Bill Sanford supported the project, while Jeff Cotner and John Ford opposed it. The decision follows an extensive debate over the cost and benefits of artificial versus natural turf.

The artificial turf project is estimated to cost approximately $1.2 million, though donations are expected to reduce the financial burden on the school. Simon reported that he has already secured around $400,000 in private donations, including a generous $80,000 contribution from the Vian Community Charitable Foundation. The school is seeking additional sponsorships to further offset the cost.

In the string of meetings on the proposal, some board members had advocated a premium natural grass field instead, largely based on the significant cost differential between grass and artificial turf, and on concerns about heat, injuries and other factors that have led many major colleges to switch to natural grass.

Cotner presented an estimate of about $200,000 for a major renovation with premium athletic-field natural grass sod, and offered to donate half that amount himself and to raise additional private funds to provide a renovated, premium natural grass field with little or no cost out of achool funds.

Proponents of artificial turf expressed concern that a grass field could not accommodate as much use, and that the turf field would better accommodate practices and better allow uses other than just for football games.

They emphasized that an artificial turf field would be used by much more than just the high school football team and would be available for other sports, for physical education at lower grades, for band and cheerleader practice, and even youth league football.

The board voted to finance the project through a lease-purchase arrangement, avoiding the need for a bond issue or a community vote.

The turf field is expected to be ready by the start of the fall football season, with the potential for use by other sports teams, band practice, and even youth leagues.

Reports

Curriculum Director Leslie Bridges presented updates on the district’s testing results. Interim STAR testing indicated areas of progress as well as challenges, which teachers and administrators are addressing. Cotner raised concerns about how well the STAR tests predict outcomes on state achievement tests, prompting further discussion on the matter.

Elementary Principal Kathy Wingo outlined plans for a new scheduling system to be implemented in the 2025-26 school year. The new system will group students by their prior test scores, allowing for more personalized instruction. The board expressed support for this approach, which aligns with previous recommendations.

Finance and appropriations

The board approved several financial measures, including $42,104.57 in encumbrances from the General Fund and an $18,362 payment from the Building Fund to resolve a delayed invoice from CWA Architects for the new high school project. The board also approved various grants and funding for extracurricular activities, including $3,000 for wrestling uniforms and additional funds for travel to tournaments and events.

The board adopted a new flag policy in compliance with the State Department of Education’s requirements, ensuring that the U.S. flag is displayed appropriately in all district buildings. Also approved for the 2025-26 school year was a contract with Ruth Kelly.

The board members unanimously approved an audit contract with Patten & Odom CPA’s, LLC, a Spirit Booster Club activity account and to surplus cheer mats.

The Board renewed its contract with Interquest Detection Canines, which provides periodic visits to campus to detect drugs, bombs, or firearms. This service was reauthorized following a report on a recent incident that required intervention.

Personnel decisions Following an executive session, the board approved several staffing changes for the 2025-26 school year. Among the new hires was Cason Wright, the son of two long-time Vian teachers, who will teach elementary math. Three other teachers were also approved for hiring to fill vacancies caused by retirements and transfers., Gracy Carson for middle school math and Billie Kennedy and Courtney Williamson, for middle school ELA.

The meeting closed with the board’s approval of all agenda items and a vote to adjourn. The decision to proceed with the artificial turf project marks a significant development for Vian’s athletics program, while the adoption of new policies and staffing decisions set the stage for the upcoming school year.

This news story is based on the unofficial minutes from the board meeting and could be in error if the minutes are changed prior to adoption.