The Jackson County Board of Education approved a $72,000 bid Tuesday to install a new LED video board at the Jackson County High Football Stadium.
School Board Member Mark Brown made the motion to approve funding for the video board. He said the understanding is that the football team would be responsible for paying back the expenses through advertisements and fundraising.
“If they’re wanting to buy it, then do it,” Brown said. “I see no problem with it. I make a motion. Set you a plan up, what did he say, four years, five years. Set you a plan up.”
Football coach Sean Loftis said the project will be funded through advertising revenue generated by the new equipment.
“We need to purchase it,” Director of Schools Jason Hardy said. ” It will be a capital project on our campus. And so that way we ensure… And we will have to deal with the electric company and work with them. But yeah, it’s coming through football.”
Loftis said the LED display measures 24 feet by 15 feet and features scrolling panels on the sides for digital sponsorships.
“I feel like once that board is up, the revenue coming in for being on there, for like big nights, for games,” Loftis said. “You know, we could use that for graduation, whenever graduation is out there.”
Loftis said he has already raised approximately $27,000 toward the cost of the board through independent fundraising efforts.
“I’m just excited about having it out there for Friday night, just making it more intense,” Loftis said.
Loftis said the system includes 24/7 remote technical support, a three-year warranty and can be programmed using an iPad.
“I want to give them the option of the sign or a scrolling ad on the board,” Loftis said. “There’s all kinds of different there’s all kinds of different options they’ll have.”
The board considered three total bids for the stadium upgrade, which ranged from a high bid from Wright Contracting with a $271,000 bid to the low bid. BSN Sports came in with a quote of $237,000.
Board Member Ron Eldridge said the high-definition panels are estimated to last for 100,000 hours of use.
“I’ll definitely be able to pay that off in four years or so, I would assume,” Loftis said. “I had to purchase uniforms this year, so that’s the only reason why I’m kind of out. But after that, I’ll be fine.”
The board also awarded a $19,971 bid to Sparta Heating and Air Conditioning for an air conditioning upgrade at the Dodson Branch School’s stage rooms. Mr. Cross said the district will use grant funding to cover the cost of the three new AC units. The board also voted to extend the bidding process for a new steamer at Jackson County High School for 30 days after receiving no initial bids.
Additionally, the board approved the district coaching list for the upcoming season.