Westfield's New Plan for School Fields

The town of Westfield is making a big move to take care of school fields. This isn't just about cutting grass. It's about a smart plan to save money and make sure fields are safe for kids to play on. Starting April 1, the town will start maintaining some school fields. This includes mowing, marking lines, planting seeds, and general upkeep. The goal is to keep the fields in good shape for sports and play. The town will handle these tasks, and the costs will be shared. This means taxpayers' money will be used wisely. The town and the school board have agreed to this plan. They can end it anytime with a 60-day notice. This flexibility is important. Both sides need to be happy with how things are going. If not, they can walk away. The town will be responsible for its workers and actions. It will also have the right insurance. The school board will do the same for its side. This way, both sides are protected. No one wants to deal with accidents or damages without a backup plan. The school board president talked about taxpayers. He said they want to know where their money goes. Shared services like this are one way to make sure it's used well. It's about being smart with public funds. This plan is just the start. The town wants to take over all school field maintenance eventually. The idea is to improve outcomes and save money in the long run. It's a win-win for everyone involved. But will it work out as planned? Only time will tell.