School Board Awards Turf Installation Bid for Numa, E.C. Best

The Churchill County School District Board of Trustees voted unanimously to award a contract for playground turf installation at Numa Elementary School and E.C. Best Elementary School, approving a bid of $1,585,000 to A&K Earth Movers Inc. for the combined project.

District staff explained to trustees that the plan is part of ongoing capital improvements. It aims to address long-standing drainage and usability issues across both campuses, particularly issues such as mud and standing water that restrict students’ play and physical education activities.

During the discussion, district leaders outlined paths trustees could take because the total cost came in higher than anticipated, especially for the larger turf area at E.C. Best. Staff said the board could approve the bid and proceed within available capital constraints, use funds earmarked for another turf area planned at E.C. Best in this year’s capital plan to help cover the gap, split the work by approving one campus and not the other (with the contractor’s agreement), or decline the bid and pursue alternatives such as regrading, soil improvements and irrigation work to support grass.

Superintendent Derild Parsons provided background on the ongoing challenges at E.C. Best, noting a low-lying area that historically struggles with irrigation and drainage, resulting in wet ground that can delay mowing and leave muddy patches even after extended periods without rain. Parsons said turf would require an engineered drainage system—a significant factor in overall cost—but could provide a longer-term solution with reduced routine maintenance compared with reseeding, mowing, and fertilizing.

Parsons also emphasized that the project is funded through capital improvement funds, which are legally restricted and cannot be used for staffing or general operating expenses. He said those capital dollars are limited to specific project uses under state rules and that the turf work does not affect the district’s general fund budget.

E.C. Best Principal Brad Barton told trustees students would “enjoy that side a lot more” with turf installed, noting children currently lose shoes in the mud in the targeted area. Numa Principal Shawn Purrell described Numa’s playground conditions as a longstanding problem, citing pooled water, uneven surfaces, scattered gravel, and limited usable space for older students who frequently play organized sports at recess. Perrell said the school lacks a gym, leaving PE classes dependent on outdoor space and a small multipurpose room during inclement weather.

Several community members urged the trustees to prioritize grass and green space improvements over artificial turf. Speakers cited concerns about turf overheating in warmer months, potential abrasions, long-term durability in desert conditions, and future costs of replacement and disposal. Suggestions included investing in soil improvements, irrigation updates, shade structures, trees, and school gardens.

Numa counselor, Noreen Swanson, told trustees that students have advocated for turf after researching playground conditions and options. Swanson said students have repeatedly asked about the project this school year because they were told turf was part of the plan, and she said they view it as an improvement over the current dirt-and-gravel conditions.

Board members asked athletic director Brian Mello to speak to the temperature issue. Mello said there is a difference between grass and turf fields, with turf being nine degrees hotter.

Toward the end of the discussion, trustees and staff clarified that much of the $1.585 million price tag is tied to dirt work and drainage improvements rather than the turf material itself. District staff said the turf portion was estimated at approximately $199,000 at Numa and $549,000 at E.C. Best, with the remainder driven by site preparation and drainage infrastructure required to address persistent water problems.

In closing comments, Trustee Joe McFadden urged the board to keep the decision in context, stating the agenda item was not a choice between grass and turf, but the award of a bid for a turf project that has been approved in the district’s capital improvement planning for several years. Trustees unanimously approved the contract.