Expert Says Katy ISD Ignored Cheaper Alternative To Artificial Turf
May 5th, 2009 | by John Pape | Published in News | 4 Comments | Email This Post
Even as controversy continues to swirl over the Katy ISD school board’s decision to spend $5 million for artificial turf on football fields at the district’s six high schools, one local turf expert said the district ignored a much less expensive option that has already proven to be successful.
Katy resident Michael Chaplinsky of Turf Feeding Systems conducted a pilot program two years ago at Cinco Ranch High School using his company’s “fertigation” system.
Fertigation is a combined irrigation and fertilizing process that uses organic, non-chemical fertilizer on natural turf. Similar systems are used on area golf courses, parks and sports fields.
Chaplinsky said he proposed the pilot project to help Cinco Ranch High’s groundskeepers keep fields in shape during a period of drought.
“We thought we’d help the local school district (since) we could give them best field in the area and fit into their budget,” Chaplinsky said. “Our fertigation system is proven technology; it’s used on top-rated golf courses and (athletic) fields throughout the area.”
Chaplinsky said the system measures out an appropriate amount of irrigation water mixed with organic fertilizer. The system is ideal for overused, heat-stressed turf like Cinco Ranch’s football fields, he explained.
“We can grow grass faster than any other way in the world, and we proved it at Cinco Ranch (High School),” Chaplinsky said. “After a couple of months of the pilot program, the school had the best fields ever.”
Despite the success, Chaplinsky said he got a cool reception to the system following the pilot program.
“After the test, they said they were going to stick with dry fertilizer. They said the district’s booster clubs would donate the dry fertilizer at no cost to the district,” Chaplinsky said. “Now they want to spend more than $5 million for artificial turf.”
Chaplinsky also said the district never re-contacted him before making the decision to go with artificial turf.
“Just like everyone else, we didn’t know about (the move to artificial turf) until we read about it,” he said. “It came as a complete surprise and, frankly, makes no sense.”
Chaplinsky pointed out that many pro sports teams are moving away from artificial turf because of injuries to players and excessive maintenance costs. Both Reliant Stadium and Minute Maid Park have natural grass.
“People think artificial turf doesn’t need water; that’s not true. Artificial turf is typically much, much hotter than natural turf, and they often have to use water to cool it down,” he said. “They also have to treat it with an anti-bacterial agent because of all the water they put on it.”
Chaplinsky said he believes the decision to go with artificial turf is the result of “a bubba mentality” among district coaches and athletic staff.
“Everybody wants something new and expensive and these bubba coaches have no fiduciary responsibility; they have no concern with saving dollars for taxpayers,” he said.
Chaplinsky said the cost of a fertigation system would run about $4,000 per field, with fertilization costs of about $100 per acre per month. He estimated the total annual cost to the district at about $24,000 per year.
“That’s a fraction compared to the $5 million the district is about to spend on artificial turf. Katy ISD could easily have the best fields in the world, comparable to what the pros play on,” Chaplinsky said. “The decision to go with artificial turf makes no sense.”
Despite calls for the school board to reconsider its decision, a spokesman said the district is moving forward with the artificial turf project as approved by the board.
InstantNewsKaty send e-mail messages to all school board members requesting comment on the issue. Only one, Chris Crockett, responded.
“According to our board procedures, only the board president, Mr. Duhon, can speak about matters of board business,” Crockett noted.
Neither Duhon nor any of the other trustees replied to the request for comment.
The turf controversy began with the school board’s April 16 decision to spend $5,226,431 to install artificial turf at the competition football fields at Katy, Taylor, Mayde Creek, Cinco Ranch, Morton Ranch and Seven Lakes High Schools. All currently have natural grass surfaces.
May 5th, 2009 at 1:41 pm (#)
I have been in touch with Mr. Chaplinsky, and his services certainly seem viable and something we should look at long and hard before moving forward with artificial turf.
I will go on record that if elected, I will formally ask the Board to reconsider this action and slow down the process giving us time to look at this and any other reasonable alternative before we spend $5 million taxpayer dollars on something even the professionals tell us is an uncertain investment.
The only other candidate in this election to make the same pledge is Stacy Edwards-Tomdio who I am sure will join me by providing a “second to my motion.”
I renew my earlier call that KISD parents contact the school board and ask them to reconsider their previous action.
With Respect,
Ross Raymond
Candidate Katy ISD School Board
http://www.katyvote.com
May 5th, 2009 at 2:20 pm (#)
The most interesting aspect of this post today is that KISD board member Chris Crockett tells us that the “board procedures” dictate that six of the seven board members who were individually elected to represent their constituency are unable to “speak about matters of board business”!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
How mindless is that? How asinine of all of you to have agreed to such a “procedure”!
You are precisely what is wrong with our country right now: you have no spine.
It’s also the best reason I can think of to get rid of all of you by electing people who are not incumbents or handpicked replacements. We can always hope that new people will be better suited to serve the students.
Let me remind all of you that even the United States Supreme Court allows for a dissenting opinion regarding each and every decision that they make, and often the dissenters get more attention and support. Can any of you even imagine our Representatives and Senators not having anything to say about how they voted or what their thoughts are on pertinent issues?
The public has an inherent right to know what each of you thinks about any and all “matters of board business.” The fact that you won’t tell us, tells me that all of you are simply doing what the superintendent tells you to do.
That’s just sad.
Mary McGarr
May 5th, 2009 at 2:50 pm (#)
Dear Katy Parents and Taxpayers, I agree with Ross, as I too believe the Board moved too fast on this one. As a mother of school age children I worry about their safety and frankly many of the issues raised about artificial turf concern me. As a taxpayer trying to make ends meet, I am also concerned about the expense. If the possibility exists for us to provide our children with a safe playing environment and be mindful of the tight budget realities we face, then I will join with Mr. Raymond and second the motion for a reconsideration of this item if elected to serve you this Saturday, May 9th. Stacy Edwards-Tomdio
May 5th, 2009 at 3:29 pm (#)
I openly and actively DESPISE Katy ISD for all the repulsive and offensive heavy handed and bone headed ways they handle the “business” of educating CHILDREN. This Superintendent is no better than the last one and has proven that his contract needs not be renewed. He’s not the least bit vested in the long-term outlook of this District, but only the short line bullet on his resume as he continues on his own personal “screw up and move up” career ladder. How DARE he decide that we “need???” artificial turf at high schools and how DARE the School Board of Trustees go along with it? Stupid and spineless are the correct terms to use for this and these individuals!!! Nope, this is just money that could be put to use in a savings account for a new stadium, someday, IF we ever needed it. And that’s what this stinks of, the new stadium desire. A “fair” committee was formed and then one member had the common sense to point out a few things in a letter and then no one heard about “that” committee anymore. Then what do you know but oh golly gee, the Pressbox down at Rhoades stadium isn’t good enough anymore, so wham bam, thank you ma’am, “they” are going to rebuild/remodel it. And at what cost? And because why? And now, “suddenly” there’s to be artificial turf at the high schools? This whole thing stinks to high heaven and the manure on this one is pretty deep. When a parent sues you, Alton because they were injured due to the artificial turf, how much is that going to cost this District?