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New scoreboard for Cape football field

Board approves addition for upcoming season
July 7, 2014

The Cape Henlopen School Board unanimously approved a new scoreboard to replace the aging one at the high school football field.

Reviewing five options provided by scoreboard company Daktronics – some with a video screen, others with the option to install one later – the board voted June 26 to hold off on the video option for a later time.

“I don't think we're there yet for video capability,” said board member Andy Lewis.

Board member Jen Burton also questioned whether a video screen was needed when it was unclear who would shoot the video. Many students in the high school video program also play sports that would conflict with shooting those sports. Other students could have other after-school activities that could prevent them from filming events. Until details on how filming of sports events would be handled, Burton said, they should hold back on the video display option.

“I think with the size, the bigger the better,” Burton said. “But I have an issue with spending more than $200,000 for a scoreboard.

A video scoreboard with installation would run about $370,000 – nearly double the cost of the $190,000 for the scoreboard without video that the board selected. A sound system would be included with the new 28-by-25-foot scoreboard.

Director of Business Operations Oliver Gumbs said a new scoreboard is needed soon to replace the 30 year old board currently used. Parts for the old board have become increasing difficult to find, he said. Gumbs said installing a new board by this fall would be ideal. Superintendent Robert Fulton said they are shooting for October, but it is too early to say when it will be ready.

“We do have a critical need,” he said. “When you average out the cost, it is a good investment.”

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