Starr's Mill High School will have a no-frills athletic stadium next school year with work expected to begin by late May.

The Fayette County Board of Education voted 5-0 Monday night to award the construction contract to Leslie Contracting Inc., the low bidder at $2.7 million and eliminate four costly components, to bring the total cost down to approximately $2 million.

Eliminated from the project were sod and irrigation ($30,000), concrete bleachers ($302,000), visitor's bleachers ($127,000) and visitor's concession and toilet building ($156,0000).

Superintendent John DeCotis recommended that the board accept the lowest of the five bids submitted, and move forward on the project once the Certificates of Participation, the financing method chosen to pay for the stadium, are committed early next month.

DeCotis said he was concerned that the students have a place to play ball, but emphasized the pressing financial situation facing the school district.

"We have to hire 54 to 65 new staff at a cost of $2.5 to $3 million for personnel, accommodate students up to the 12th grade [at Starr's Mill], another $2 million, add portable classrooms costing about $320,000 and use general operating fund money totalling $1,836,000 for additions at North Fayette Elementary and Flat Rock Middle School," DeCotis said. "The financial restrictions are unfortunate," he added.

The board supported DeCotis' recommendation, echoing his financial concerns. "It's a money thing; there's no decision to be made here. We cannot go any farther; we have to be fiscally responsible," school board member Mickey Littlefield said.

School Board Chairman Debbie Condon said she was frustrated that the bids came in so high. "We absolutely cannot afford to do everything," she said. Condon emphasized that the stadium is not just for student athletes, but will serve all students in their physical education classes.

Prior to the vote, two Starr's Mill parents told the board that they were tired of waiting for them to take action on the stadium. "This is our third season without necessary facilities," Emanuel Bashakes said. "We're concerned about the previous lack of action... we're asking for your support," he added.

Carole Jensen Linton said she thought Starr's Mill students felt like "second-class students" without the same athletic facilities as students in the more established high schools.

"I believe we've accomplished quite a bit in three and a half months," Condon replied. She cited board directions to the architect to revise the plans and the current refinancing plan and COPS funding proposal to pay for the stadium as evidence of board activity. "I am comfortable with this and I am confident we will have a football game in the stadium," Condon said.

In a work session before the regular school board meeting, members were briefed on the process of refinancing the old bonds and committing the certificates of deposit for the new stadium. The new amount totals $5,055,000, according to Jim Stephens, finance director for the school district. Current projections indicate the refinancing move could save the school district $2.6 million over 15 years. The bond purchase agreement is scheduled for authorization May 5.

An additional $350,000 for athletic field at the south complex, McIntosh High School and Fayette County High School will be given another look by DeCotis and members of the facilities committee. DeCotis said he wants to "get a handle on this" and "move ahead with these issues."