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DENTON – Four parents spoke at the February 3 Caroline County Board of Education meeting about the school system’s decision not to allow spring sports teams to use the NCHS stadium field for home games.
CCPS originally announced the decision in November 2025, explaining that the stadium field had undergone extensive improvements over the summer through a combination of donations and school system funds. CCPS stated the field was planted with Bermuda grass, which becomes dormant in cooler months and does not begin regrowing until temperatures remain consistently warm. According to the original announcement, “it was strongly recommended that we give the sod time to reactivate throughout the spring and grow consistently before it is used.” So, NCHS lacrosse will be played on the back field, which is also used for soccer, for the 2026 season.
During the public comment period, four parents of NCHS lacrosse players spoke.
Sherri Bisesi questioned the safety and inspection process for the alternate fields. She also referenced recent student athlete injuries, which she said are connected to field conditions.
Christine Baiers said she had requested documentation from CCPS related to how it was determined to not allow lacrosse to use the stadium, and what policies were in place that guided the decision. She expressed that she was dissatisfied with what she received, and she is concerned that access to the stadium field may be applied inconsistently across sports due to “discretionary” decision-making.
Melissa McHenry criticized the condition of athletic fields, saying she was “embarrassed by the lack of maintenance,” and described the arrangement as discouraging for athletes playing on a “practice field turned playing field.”
Kevin Sullivan emphasized the issue as one of pride and respect for student athletes, saying the fields “need some TLC, at least.”
Superintendent Dr. Derek Simmons and Board President Michele Wayman thanked the parents for attending and sharing their comments. While Board members are not permitted to engage in discussion with public commenters, Dr. Simmons said he will be contacting the parents who spoke by early next week.
Later, during a budget presentation, Dr. Simmons noted specifically a plan already in the budget process to hire a grounds person in the Operations department to oversee things like the athletic fields. At the conclusion of the meeting, Board member Stephanie Johnson commended the parents for speaking during public comment, saying she was “proud” they had decided to voice their concerns directly to the Board.
