Winona High School to offer free admission for students using GoFan ticketing system

The Winona Area Public School District held a school board meeting on May 15, 2025, focusing on several key topics, including equity in student access to school activities and a proposal for student admissions to athletics.

The meeting began with a discussion on equity, particularly regarding the accessibility of school events for families living within the district. A board member emphasized the importance of considering nuanced viewpoints and the need for equitable access for young children to participate in school community events. The member expressed concerns that changes could disproportionately affect families who rely on walking to school events, highlighting the need for thoughtful dialogue on the implications of any decisions made.

Following this, the board moved to the agenda item concerning student admissions to athletics and activities. A proposal was presented to allow high school students, including those from the Alternative Learning Center (ALC) and cooperative schools, to attend games at no cost. This initiative aims to foster school spirit and community engagement among students. The introduction of an online ticketing system, GoFan, was noted as a significant improvement, allowing for the creation of season passes for students.

The proposal included provisions for students without smartphones, ensuring they could still access events through paper passes. The board acknowledged potential challenges, such as the need for effective communication and management of attendance, especially during high-traffic events. The discussion also touched on the necessity of adequate supervision during games, as increased attendance could lead to logistical challenges.

Concerns were raised about the availability of volunteers to manage events, with board members noting that the current system relies heavily on parent volunteers, which has become increasingly difficult to sustain. The need for a structured approach to staffing events was highlighted, with suggestions for future discussions on how to address these staffing challenges.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the importance of making school activities accessible to all students, reinforcing the idea that participation in athletics and events is an extension of the educational experience. The board expressed optimism about the proposed changes and their potential positive impact on student engagement and community involvement. Further discussions and refinements to the proposals are expected as the school year progresses.