Board tables $10,000 athletics video contract for further review; members urge cheaper alternatives

Sachem board members voted July 23 to table a contract with Misty Mountain for athletic-game video services after several members raised concerns about cost and program equity. Board member Rob questioned whether the approximately $10,000 cost for one site — and potentially $20,000 for both high schools — was justified. Rob urged the district to explore lower-cost alternatives and internal capacity before committing to the vendor. The contract’s scope, as presented at the meeting, covered 10 games each for football, field hockey, boys and girls soccer, boys and girls basketball and boys and girls lacrosse, with additional video available as needed. Board members and administrators discussed existing in-house livestream or Hudl systems and asked for information on mandated exchange requirements from Section 11 (coaching/league) practices. Mara suggested leveraging students in relevant career-path programs to film and broadcast events. A motion to table the Misty Mountain contract was made and seconded; the board approved tabling the item with one recorded opposition (Mike). The board asked administration to return with a procurement comparison, utilization data from coaches and options to use students or district camera systems. Why this matters: The contract would draw from operating funds for athletics and is part of a broader conversation about how the district allocates limited resources to extracurriculars. Board members said they do not want to jeopardize clubs or teams by reallocating funds without first examining cheaper alternatives. Next steps: Administration agreed to provide detailed scope-of-service documentation, the number of events covered and coach utilization metrics, and to place the item on a future agenda for fuller discussion.