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Stadium Light Poles Stay at Brookfield East

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BROOKFIELD - Reversing its decision from a few weeks ago, the Elmbrook School Board voted Thursday morning to not replace stadium lights at Brookfield East's football field.

Dozens of parents packed the early morning meeting.

Board members were reconsidering their earlier decision to replace four light poles at Brookfield East's football field, after many parents spoke out against it earlier in the month.

The stadium lights were placed on a national recall list recently after similar light poles throughout the country came crashing down.

"I think it was an over reaction," said parent Cheri Sylla.

Sylla, along with other parents, petitioned the board to reconsider after two independent engineering firms found no problems with the lights.

The parents worried if officials replaced the lights now, Friday night football would be sacked for the rest of the season.

"We just didn't understand, if you read the consumer safety report, only if there were defects or cracks that replacement or repair needed to be done," said Sylla.

Forensic engineer and Brookfield East football parent, Phil LeClaire believes the light poles are safe.

"They're not over-stressed," he told the board.

But to ease fears, he recommended the lights be inspected once a month.

So that's what the school will do for about a year. It will cost roughly $300 dollars an inspection.

East's first home football game is September 3rd.

And parents were glad to hear the decision, relieved Friday night lights will be just as bright this football season.

"It's not just about the football," said Sylla. "It's about the community."

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