Beachwood Board of Education Will Consider Friday Night Lights Feasibility

The Beachwood Board of Education is expected to hear a presentation later this month about the feasibility of installing lights on the high school football field.

Board President Beth Rosenbaum broached the topic during a special meeting Monday night, noting that the members of the board have indicated that they either like the idea of lights or have no strong opinion about them.

“If that’s the way we feel, why not let the issue be broached with the city, meaning, why wouldn’t we at least agree to take it to the city and hear their view on it?”

She added, “I certainly don’t want to be the holdup. If the community wants lights, and they’re raising the money for the lights, I guess I pose the question: is anybody opposed?”

Board member David Ostro called the discussion “wholly inappropriate.” “We consider recommendations made to us by the superintendent. We have not had the superintendent make a recommendation to us in regard to lighting the football field,” he said. The Board has to follow protocol, he added.

“When there is a proposal made and we understand what the process is, and we have that in a study session, which is the proper time to do that, then we can consider that,” he added.

Booster President Herb Schoen was pleased with the outcome of Monday’s meeting. “It appears as though the government is working,” he said.

“I think that people spoke up, the press certainly helped out because they spoke up, and I think that the school board is responding in an appropriate fashion. Hopefully they’ll continue along that path because it would certainly be appreciated, by not just me, but by a big segment of the community.”

Infrastructure and installation of lights would cost around $180,000, said Superintendent Rich Markwardt.

He stressed that he did not want the Board to spend money on lights, but that he does not oppose the notion of lights. He agreed to prepare a presentation for the Board’s Aug. 22 study session.

The controversial topic that has been talked about for decades was pushed to the forefront again last month when to put lights on the field.

The Board cannot accept a check without a formal resolution, but noted during the meeting that even if they accept the money it could not guarantee that the field would get lights.

“Hopefully we’re on our way in Beachwood to establish a high level of tradition and pride,” said Shoen. “And let there be light.”