HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The USD 308 School Board approved plans to renovate the existing Salthawk Sports Complex competition soccer field and baseball practice infield with a new natural turf. The action came on a 4-3 vote.

The board approved spending $351,269 for the project out of district capital outlay funds. Turf Solutions will do the work.

The work includes regrading the field, the adjacent baseball infield and drainage ditches; installing a sub-surface drip irrigation system; and installing HD Sports 2.0 bluegrass sod.

Work will begin after the fall Hutchinson High School boys’ soccer season. The fields are expected to be ready no later than mid-season for the spring HHS girls’ and Hutchinson Middle School soccer and boys’ baseball seasons.

The board also approved meal prices. Student prices will not increase next year, but adult breakfast and lunch will be up a nickel because of federal regulations.

The board also approved the creation of new bank accounts with First National Bank for the district’s payroll and merchant transactions.

The money formerly was with Commerce Bank, which announced it would be charging the district for the transactions, even though the district was obligated to keep $1 million on account at the bank at all times. First National will not require that sum and will pay interest on the accounts as long as $500,000 remains on deposit.