Hopkins athletics and activities director reports steady participation, new programs and fee data

Jared Ellerson, Hopkins Public Schools’ athletic and activities director, told the school board on Oct. 21 that participation across athletics, fine arts and student clubs remains broadly steady while the district is adding developmental “lanes” to reduce cuts and increase access.

Ellerson said his office tracks both duplicated participation (counting each event entry) and unduplicated counts (unique students). He presented year‑over‑year comparisons for fall, winter and spring seasons and singled out several notable changes: about 15 fewer participants in girls soccer after a Minnesota State High School League policy change governing ninth‑grade sports; an increase of about 20 participants in Nordic ski; and a jump of 20 new boys for golf (girls were up about 10), aided by a development team model that keeps more students involved.

“We’re not cutting kids,” Ellerson told the board, explaining that developmental squads reduce practice time while keeping students on teams so they can learn skills before advancing to JV or varsity.

Ellerson also described progress on newer programs. Boys volleyball had an inaugural season as a MSHSL sport through a three‑school co‑op and reached the state tournament. Clay target, robotics and the performing arts were all noted as growing or active offerings. He called the fall musical and play — Grease and Dracula — “double hitting it this fall,” and praised the large student casts and performance plans.

The director briefed trustees on a data snapshot of fee payments. For registration‑based activities, about 2,344 middle‑through‑high‑school students were on the roster for activities with fees; district staff analyze free/reduced status, fee waivers and payment rates to set equitable fee levels. Ellerson said the district updated its club registration form to make club lists more current and to make it easier for students and advisors to register a new club.

Board members asked about gaps in offerings and whether the district has partnerships with pro teams or ways to remove uniform barriers for Muslim girls. Ellerson said the NFL’s Vikings are sponsoring girls flag football programs in the region, and told trustees the district purchases altered uniforms and hijabs upon request and can add messaging to activity announcements indicating that accommodations are available.

Trustees thanked Ellerson for the information and suggested the department continue outreach to underrepresented groups. Ellerson and board members also encouraged student boards and club leaders to help recruit participants and to work with coaches to preserve multiple entry levels for students who want lower‑pressure participation opportunities.