Message from Kyrene School District Superintendent
DATE: SEPTEMBER 21, 2015
TO: CENTENNIAL/COLINA COMMUNITY MEMBERS, KYRENE ADMINISTRATION
FROM: DR. DAVID SCHAUER
CC: GOVERNING BOARD MEMBERS
RE: DISTRICT CONSIDERATION OF LIGHTING OF CENTENNIAL/COLINA SPORTS FIELDS
Over the past several weeks, representatives of the Kyrene School District have been in discussions with a variety of stakeholders representing the Centennial/Colina community regarding the overall feasibility of adding sports field lighting to the campuses of Centennial Middle School and Colina Elementary School. The intent was to improve late afternoon and early evening playing conditions for Kyrene student athletes. We have received input and opinions from a large number of these stakeholders, including many email messages directed to Governing Board members.
The intentions of the Kyrene administration in raising the issue were based solely in the interest of improving the athletic experience for our participants, their families and friends. However, the issue has unintentionally created a divide in the community, pitting neighbor against neighbor. We regret that our efforts resulted in this situation.
For this reason, I have recommended to the Governing Board that we suspend any further discussion of adding lighting to these fields until more comprehensive and less contentious community based solutions can be identified. We have removed this item from Tuesday, September 22 Issue Review Agenda. Therefore, there is no current plan for discussion of this issue at any Governing Board meeting in the foreseeable future. Should that change, we will be certain that all interested stakeholder groups are fully informed before engaging in such discussions or taking any action.
The Kyrene School District cares deeply about our students and their entire educational experience, including athletics. We also care deeply about the neighborhoods that surround our schools, and the residents who support them. Public schools and public education are an important part of our community and we take very seriously our commitment to be responsive to the concerns of those who support our mission of providing a premier education for every student.