By Travis Gettys
Enquirer contributor

FLORENCE - Boone County School board members expressed support Thursday for a plan to allow corporate sponsorship of three high school football fields to raise money for artificial playing surfaces.

No decision was made on a request to provide some up-front funds for the project.

Former Boone County High School star Shaun Alexander, now a Pro Bowl running back with the Seattle Seahwaks, has offered $250,000 of $2 million needed to install synthetic playing surfaces at Ryle and Conner high schools, as well as his alma mater.

Several high schools in Greater Cincinnati, including Beechwood, Covington Catholic and Highlands in Northern Kentucky, play football on artificial turf, which can be used virtually year-round and can host more events than natural grass surfaces.

Alexander's brother, Durran Alexander, told school board officials that he would be willing to help solicit donations, but he wants the district to commit some money to lend credibility to potential contributors.

"We can raise money on our own, but it would be nice to have their backing going into the corporate community," said Durran Alexander, who lives in Florence.

While school board members said they appreciated Alexander's offer, several parents expressed concern that extracurricular activities could be cut at some schools.

"I would caution the board to proceed cautiously (because) there are some other issues we need to address as well," said board member Stephen Kinman.

The district has undergone a building boom to keep pace with heavy growth, including nearly 900 new students this year, and Superintendent Bryan Blavatt said last month that no funds are available to contribute to stadium upgrades.

The school district pays about $50,000 each year to maintain grass fields at the three high schools, and Durran Alexander asked if they could allocate some of that money toward installing new surfaces.