Board tables new scoreboard purchase

The scoreboard at Gateway High School’s Antimarino Stadium will not be replaced until the district can find one or more sponsorsto cover the cost.

The school board voted 72 Tuesday to table the purchase of a new $300,000 scoreboard. Board members Valerie Warning and George Lap ce vi ch voted no.

Board member John Ritter made the motion to tablethe purchase and proceed with the acquisition of sponsors and to repair and maintain the current scoreboard.

InApril, the board voted 7-2 to purchase a $300,000 scoreboardfor the stadium from OES Inc. The new scoreboard was to include video capabilities for replay sand to play commercials. Board members Jack Bova and Rick McIntyre voted against the purchase inthe spring.

Facilities director Robert Brown has said the current scoreboard was well past its usable life and has “been in decay for years.”

Mr. Lapcevich expressed his displeasure for delaying the purchase. He wondered aloud why the board would back down fromits original vote.

District solicitor Bruce Dice said the board could change its mind because no money has been spent on a scoreboard and no contracts have been signed.

Superintendent William Short said he has sent out information packets to local companies requesting scoreboard sponsorship. He added the administration had not planned on executing a purchase order for the scoreboard until further discussion was held with the school boardregarding sponsors.

Mr. Dice said if the district is able to acquire sponsors for the scoreboard this year, the board can take the matter off the table and bring it back to a voteat any time.