LVUSD considering installing FieldTurf at Agoura, Calabasas high schools
Track and field season could be interrupted
By Stephen Dorman sdorman@theacorn.com

The Las Virgenes Unified School District is discussing installing FieldTurf, a synthetic playing surface, onto the football fields at Agoura and Calabasas high schools.

According to Deputy Superintendent Don Zimring, no deal has been finalized. LVSUD is in the process of doing site surveys and getting a bid from a contractor, Zimring said.

"There are significant savings to be made- if we can move fast enough- by having work done in a not-peak season for the contractors, which, in fact, will conflict with the current track season, " he said.

Zimring said the principals of both schools are aware of the potential issues concerning the track and field teams, adding that the principals already have had discussions with their respective coaches.

"The earlier we get this started, the better chance we have of getting it done," Zimring said. "I've never in my 30 years seen a construction project finish on time. We're far better off maybe having the inconvenience of disrupting track for one season, as long as all the activities are protected, and then making sure we get the project done properly with plenty of time to spare.

"That's the thought process, but that's all it is right now is a thought process," Zimring said. "We're looking at all the options and seeing what we can do."

A decision is expected to come within the next few weeks, he said. If approved, construction would likely begin in mid-March. The expected cost is $1 million per school and will be paid for by a school bond that's already been approved.

Agoura track and field coach Tracy Spencer said he's preparing to move some of his team's late-season events to Oak Park High. Practices are likely to move to OPHS as well.

"We're trying to work something out," Spencer said. "We have a good relationship with Oak Park, so I don't think there's going to be a problem."

Mark Capritto, an assistant principal at Calabasas, said he's heard several complaints from parents and athletes at his school. CHS is doing its best to adhere to those concerns and find alternative practice and meet sites and provide transportation if construction begins in March, Capritto said.

"When you look at the big picture, is it sad it's being done at this particular time? Absolutely," Capritto said. "Track is important to us. But would we pursue this adventure without looking at alternative track sites for our students and include transportation? The answer is no, we wouldn't do that."