Cape school board halts soccer field project plans

The Cape Girardeau school board refused Monday night to approve a plan to spend more than $260,000 to construct a concession stand and rest room building, bleachers and a press box at the high school soccer field.

The board voted 4-2 to reject bids for construction of the concession stand/rest room and then tabled the proposed awarding of bids for bleachers and a press box.

Board members Tom Reinagel, Steve Trautwein, Laura Sparkman and Sharon Mueller voted against proceeding with the improvements. Board members Tim Arbeiter and Charles Bertrand voted for the project.

Reinagel said school administrators should have previously reviewed the plans with the board.

"We have not discussed this," he said.

The majority of board members said they won't approve the soccer improvements without a comprehensive plan for the district regarding building plans.

"Let's just not throw money at it," said Reinagel, adding that a future football/soccer stadium could address those same needs.

Superintendent Dr. David Scala said he promised soccer parents he would support previously drawn up blueprints for the soccer field improvements.

"OK, maybe I moved on this too fast," Scala told the board.