The petition for temporary lights for Coach Parks Field was granted by the School Board yet again this Wednesday, despite the unanimous approval for their installation last May.

Though the School Board had already authorized the lights, M-A’s residential neighbors were less than pleased with the Board’s decision. They filed a lawsuit against the district shortly after the initial approval, claiming that the school was not following city ordinances limiting structure height.

“After the lawsuit, the Board needed another meeting, basically to formalize their exemption from city ordinances,” says Susan Mohr, an M-A parent and supporter of field lights.

“Some neighbors had also heard that a lot of community groups would be using the lights, so they were concerned that the lights would be on all the time,” Mohr continues. “So the meeting was also meant to define exactly when the lights would be in use.”

The School Board officially sanctioned the use of the field lights for four night football games, ending at 10:30 pm. The lights will also be used for lacrosse, soccer, and Pop Warner football practices during the week, but would be turned off by 8:30 pm.

A group of M-A parents and teachers attended the meeting in support of the lights, even standing up in unison when requested by Mrs. Mohr and applauding enthusiastically after the Board announced their approval.

Many of these supporters spoke to the Board about the lights, including teacher/coach Paul Snow, several parents, and even Edmund Harris, an M-A graduate of the class of ‘69.

No neighbors or representatives of the opposition appeared to be present at the meeting.

Though the Board ruled in favor of M-A, it seemed to be the hope of all involved parties to compromise as much as possible.

“We will hopefully come out with something that will serve both the interests of the neighbors and the school,” said Board President Olivia Martinez.