Calvert’s Dr. Newsome Submits Letter Of Intent On Turf Fields To Board Of County Commissioners

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — Calvert County Public Schools is showing its support for turf fields, as per a letter read by Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) President Todd Ireland in their April 14 meeting.

BOCC President Todd Ireland read the letter out loud after the commissioners adopted the consent agenda. Calvert County Public Schools (CCPS) Superintendent Dr. Marcus Newsome submitted the letter, addressed to County Administrator Linda Turner.

In the letter, Dr. Newsome expressed gratitude to the BOCC for their interest in a turf field investment, and wrote that the letter served as an overview of CCPS’ intent to add turf fields for the fiscal 2028 school year as part of the capital improvements program. Dr. Newsome wrote that preliminary vendor estimates put the cost of the project at about $10 million.

The letter did not appear on the BOCC meeting agenda for April 14.

The possibility of turf fields was brought up in past BOCC budget conversations, when commissioners debated the draft budget and how the proposed school budget fits in. Dr. Newsome and the Board of Education briefly discussed their support for turf fields during their own financial discussion on March 26, with board members signaling they’d be in favor of these updates. Board members agreed they wanted to do more to support the county’s hard-working student-athletes and provide appropriate playing fields to host tournaments and schools from across the state.

This “front porch” project would help align Calvert’s sports facilities with the quality of nearby counties. Calvert County schools have taken home several state championship titles in recent years, including in football, baseball and softball.

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