Ringgold OKs new scoreboard purchase

By ERIC SEIVERLING
eseiverling@yourmvi.com

Ringgold school officials continue to move forward with renovations to the high school’s athletic equipment.
At their meeting Wednesday night, school directors approved the purchase of a new $70,700 scoreboard for the high school gymnasium.
Absent from the meeting were Harley Bobnar and Jim Dodd.
President Bill Stein, Sherrie Garry, Gene Kennedy and Carol Flament approved the purchase. Maureen Ott and Jason Gerard voted no on the scoreboard, which is from South Dakota-based Daktronics.
According to Ott, the scoreboard’s shot clock was an optional feature and could save the district $7,000 if excluded from the score board.
Athletic Director Laura Grimm confirmed Ott’s opinion.
“It is not required,” Grimm said. “In a handful of years it will be added to our games. To save money on the project, we could exclude it.”
Last year, the National Federation of State High School Associations voted down a proposal that would establish a 35-second shot clock for boys and girls basketball around the country, including the Pennsylvania Interstate Athletic Association. The national federation establishes rules for all high school sports.
Grimm said if there comes a time where shot clocks are needed, Ringgold could have issues if it chooses to not include the shot clock now.
“You won’t get to a point where it’s optional,” she said.
Stein said waiting to install the shot clock won’t save the district money.
“It’s not going to be cheaper in a few years,” he said.
The scoreboard purchase comes two months after the district gave the green light to HHSDR Architects for phase one of a $5.5 million renovation to the high school’s natatorium and swimming pool area.

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