Cobb Stadium to Lose its Bleachers

Bleachers at Cobb Stadium are too costly to repair, school officials say.

Photo: Gail Burnett

By Kendra Williams

At its May 5 meeting, the Sanford School Committee voted unanimously to remove the bleachers at the Stephen A. Cobb Stadium. Established in 1952, the stadium served as the primary athletic facility for Sanford High School for 66 years until SHS moved to a new campus with a state-of-the-art stadium in 2018.

However, Cobb Stadium continues to host Sanford Middle School athletics and youth sports programs, such as those organized by the Sanford Springvale Youth Athletic Association. Increasing concerns about safety and code violations—along with insurers’ unwillingness to cover bleacher-related claims—led to the decision.

The City of Sanford and the School Department explored several options for replacing the bleachers, but the cost proved too high to be absorbed by either the municipal or school budget. Committee members acknowledged the stadium’s historical significance and expressed regret, while noting the prohibitive expenses. Chairwoman Amy Sevigny said she believes it would take an extensive, community-led effort not only to replace the bleachers but also to upgrade the deteriorating track.

The city is now considering replacing the bleachers with landscaping, allowing spectators to bring their own chairs. The School Department may seek funding for a smaller section of bleachers to accommodate Sanford Middle School’s needs. Despite the changes, the goal is for Cobb Stadium to remain a valuable community and school asset.

Also at the May 5 meeting:

Changes at SRTC: Sanford Regional Technical School Director Matt Petermann presented an integrated pathways plan for partner schools at the SRTC. A new law allows students to earn core credits while attending SRTC programs. Standards have been developed that enable students to earn credits over two years in their technical program as well as core subjects. Previously, some students could not return for year two because they needed to earn more core credits for graduation.

Also, Petermann proposed adding a nail technician program at the SRTC. Recently, 59 applications were received for only 16 spots in the current two-year cosmetology program. If the School Committee approves, the State of Maine would accept an application for another program for the 26/27 school year. If that application is approved, a subsidy would be provided up front for the first three years with enrollment determining continued reimbursement thereafter. The nail technician program is a one-year program with the potential of doubling the capacity in cosmetology to 32 students a year. The School Committee unanimously approved pursuing the application.

Athletics: Athletic Director Zach Lemelin reviewed the winter sports season and provided a comprehensive look at the spring season and the participation numbers for each sport. He also provided an overview of upcoming events for the athletes and their families.

Lemelin noted that games are not being streamed on WSSR on the YouTube Channel anymore due to it being flagged and shutting down when music was played. The current apps for the games are: Hudl & Hudl Focus; Fan.Hudl.com and the Rschool app. They are also working to create a Southwestern Maine Activities Association (SMAA) database to provide streaming for games that are played away.

Superintendent Matt Nelson congratulated Lemelin for receiving the Rising Star Award by the Maine Interscholastic Administrators Association. It’s a statewide award recognizing outstanding leadership. Committee Member Paula Cote expressed appreciation for Lemelin bringing his ideas, such as the Hall of Honor, to fruition and for hosting regional events here in Sanford.

P-K enrollment: Assistant Superintendent Steve Bussiere provided an update about pre-kindergarten enrollment. He said 109 of the children who were invited to register for the lottery in April have been enrolled. There is now a waiting list of 42 children for the remaining three slots. Some are from the original lottery and others have signed up since then. Enrolled students have been invited to attend a P-K exploration event at the school they will attend.

Curriculum updates: Curriculum Director Beth Lambert gave an overview of the summer school reading and math programs as well as the special education extended school year program. Both will run from July 7 to July 30, 8 am to noon, four days a week. Breakfast and lunch will be served, and bus transportation is available.

Lambert also provided an overview of professional development programs that are being offered for staff this summer. She also shared her work with other school districts in developing a cohort group for non-teaching professional staff.

The full May 5 School Committee meeting may be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7T6ydMyYfg&t=229s