District reports rising activity and athletics participation; board accepts monitoring report

The Williston Public School District 7 Board accepted a monitoring report showing rising student participation in athletics and co-curricular activities and approved the superintendent's interpretation of the district's R7 results policy.

Activities director Connolly presented registration trends covering 2021 through the 2025-26 school year and highlighted steady increases across many programs and the launch of several middle-school offerings, including boys and girls middle-school soccer and fall cheer. "If we get them in more than one activity, then we feel like we're going to be able to have more contact time with them," Connolly said, describing goals for multi-sport and multi-activity participation.

Connolly also reported national- and out-of-state competition invitations and appearances: cross country traveled to a national invitational and the district sent teams for other events, and the district recognized 49 team state championships and 151 individual state champions in its history. The board discussed advisor shortages for a handful of clubs and a district policy that new clubs must have at least 10 students during a one-year trial before becoming permanent.

After discussion, a board member moved that the superintendent's interpretation of the monitoring report was reasonable and in compliance; the board carried the motion by roll call.

Ending: Administration will continue outreach to recruit club advisors, monitor participation levels and report back on indicators connected to the district's monitoring calendar.