Athletics director outlines participation gains; board approves MOU with astronomy group and advances contracts for trainers and tennis courts

West Lafayette’s athletic department presented participation data and facility needs to the board on April 14, and the board approved an MOU with a local astronomy group and advanced contracts for athletic training coverage and tennis‑court replacement.

Athletic director Joel Strode told the board the district supports a broad program: “We’ve got 22 varsity sports … over 100 coaches,” and he said roughly 55% of students in grades 7–12 participate in athletics. Strode highlighted multi‑sport participation — 288 multi‑sport athletes this school year — and said the high participation rate strengthens program viability.

Why it matters: Participation and facilities drive staffing, scheduling and capital priorities. Board members and athletic leaders cited an existing plan to improve facilities and a specific request to replace the tennis courts and upgrade lights and scoreboards at the athletic complex.

Wabash Valley Astronomical Society MOU The board approved a memorandum of understanding with the Wabash Valley Astronomical Society to formalize the group’s ongoing relationship with the district and the observatory that the society uses. David moved to approve the agreement; the board recorded the vote as unanimous: 7‑0.

Contracts: trainers and tennis courts The board considered and authorized work to secure athletic trainer services and to award a public works contract for tennis court replacement. Administration described a new three‑year athletic trainer proposal from a local health system that reduces projected annual costs by roughly $48,000 compared with the outgoing vendor; the superintendent and athletic director noted the contract keeps coverage levels consistent with current practice.

On the tennis courts, the district ran a public notice and opened bids; PCC Sports submitted the lowest complete bid. The board discussed a site modification to re‑locate a court stripe that will allow one court to be double‑striped for pickleball use while retaining ten single‑striped tennis courts overall. Work is planned to begin in May and be completed by August.

Board action and next steps - Wabash Valley Astronomical Society memorandum of understanding — motion by David; outcome: approved, vote recorded 7‑0. Evidence in packet: the signed MOU was placed in board materials. - Athletic trainer contract (IU Health) — motion to approve by Lawrence, seconded by Rachel; board voted to approve the administration’s contract recommendation (tally not specified in the transcript). Administration said the new contract will cover the same teams as the district’s current coverage and includes a 3% annual increase. - Tennis court contract (PCC Sports) — motion to award and approve moved and seconded; board initiated the vote during the meeting and approved the contract (tally not specified in the transcript). Construction is scheduled to begin in May and finish in August.

Quotes and implementation Strode said the district’s high multi‑sport participation is a competitive asset: “We’ve got 288 multi sport athletes this school year,” and he asked the board to support planned facility improvements including a new track and lighting upgrades. The administration described a two‑year warranty on post‑tension concrete and a 10‑year warranty on sport lighting in the tennis court contract paperwork.

Ending: The board approved the observatory MOU and moved forward with the trainer and tennis contracts; administration will finalize vendor contracts, publish a construction schedule and coordinate communications with neighbors and user groups.