With less than 60 days left in the 2023-24 school year, the South Putnam School Board tackled a host of issues Wednesday night during its February meeting. 

The board voted unanimously in favor of a facility use agreement with the South Putnam Youth League for football and baseball. 

"The youth league has been a fantastic partner and we look forward to additional opportunities to enhance student participation," superintendent Dr. Corey Smith said. 

The board also voted in favor of adding two restrooms at Fillmore Elementary School. One will be in the life schools classroom and the other in a new kindergarten classroom. Smith said the goal is to get them done by early summer. 

"As soon as the the rooms empty, the work starts," Smith said. 

In addition, Smith said the new bathrooms are part of the district's overall goal to fully utilize all facilities and accommodate new students. 

Also, the board heard from Clay Henry in regards to lighting at the Belle Union Diamonds. 

Henry said for the last few years, the league has raised funds for lights and now the funds are in place, and labor and material has been secured through donations. 

"We don't have lights on any diamonds. We have seen an increase in enrollment league wise and in South Putnam. Also, having lights would give us an opportunity to host tournaments," Henry told the board.

The board voted in favor of consideration. 

Finally, the board voted unanimously in favor of a new stage with a ramp but not before some questions from board members to South Putnam Middle School/High School principal Tona Gardner. 

Gardner said the school was in need of a new portable stage with a ramp as the current graduation stage is "definitely aged." Gardner said she began looking into a new stage a year ago and over that time her interest went from one bid to multiple bids and a conversation with Bishop Chatard High School about its stage. 

The new stage comes with a price tag of $22,000 and several questions from board members about why they were just now hearing about the stage, including board member Hollie Hutcheson. Hutcheson voiced displeasure with just finding out about the need of a stage and for the amount. Others said they had previously received "wish lists" when it cames to projects throughout the district and a stage was not mentioned.

Gardner said it was "partly my fault" for the issue, admitting she was "slow in getting information" to the board and kept combing through information to make sure she got the best portable stage for the district. 

"I am excited about having a portable stage," Gardner said.