Board hears proposal to start junior high track team; supporters point to academic and mental-health benefits

Board members discussed a proposed junior high track program during the planning meeting and heard multiple speakers argue the program would yield broad academic and social benefits for middle-school students.

The agenda lists a junior high track estimate and the board announced a motion to approve a junior high track program will be considered at the district's next business meeting. During the planning discussion, several board members and community speakers urged approval. "Running especially has powerful impact on brain physiology," Director Hogan said in favor of the program, enumerating benefits including concentration, working memory, attendance and graduation outcomes. Coach and community member Kelly Bridal, speaking during public comment, estimated an initial cost in the low thousands if volunteers help staff the program.

Administration and budget concerns: Superintendent-level staff (Doctor Haug/Dr. Mitchell on the record in committee) said the program is worthwhile but reminded the board the district is operating with a deficit and any unbudgeted expenditure produces pressure to identify offsetting reductions. "It might only be $6,000," the administrator said, "but then I'm going to have to find, you know, 1.7 plus $6,000 in cuts in order to balance the budget." The board discussed ways to phase staffing (one head coach plus assistants and volunteers), limit events initially to running disciplines, and explore booster/volunteer support.

Program design considerations: speakers described the junior high program as a feeder that could improve high-school athletic performance and participation. Board members noted the high school program attracts roughly 80-100 participants and that shared use of the high-school track for practice is common and workable. Staff said the junior program request being considered called for a full-time head coach and two assistant positions but that alternative staffing models could be implemented to reduce near-term cost.

Next steps: the board indicated the junior high track item will be on the consent/agenda at the next business meeting for a formal motion and vote. Several board members said they expect to support the program; administrators asked the board to identify funding sources or accept the need for budgetary offsets if the board votes to add the program.

Ending: the board deferred formal action to the next meeting and asked administration to prepare cost and staffing details for the vote.