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Camdenton board approves launch of middle school baseball and softball beginning spring 2026
Summary
The Camdenton R-III School Board voted to add middle school baseball and softball programs starting in spring 2026, approving a plan that includes startup equipment costs and recurring yearly expenses estimated by coaches.
The Camdenton R-III School Board voted to add middle school baseball and softball programs that will begin in the spring 2026 season, board members approved by voice vote during the meeting.
The programs were presented by Coach Moschino, who summarized a fall survey of students that showed strong interest across fifth through seventh graders and projected adequate participation for at least one roster per sport. Coach Moschino said the plan anticipates cuts to form final rosters if necessary and called the initiative a “foundational feeder program” for the district’s high school teams.
The nut graf: Board members said the addition aims to increase student involvement and support academic and attendance gains that accompany extracurricular participation. The district plans the programs for grades 7–8, with staffing to include high school coaches assisting the middle school teams and a search for additional baseball coaches as needed.
Coaches and staff described the proposed schedule and costs. The typical season would run about 12 weeks with an 18-game schedule targeted (the board noted achieving 15–18 games could be constrained by spring break). The presenters provided a five-year cost projection showing one-time startup (equipment and uniforms) and recurring annual expenses; recurring costs were estimated roughly in the $10,000–$12,000 range per sport per year, with first-year nonrecurring startup costs of several thousand dollars. The district indicated the program would be planned for fiscal year 2026 rather than FY25.
Transportation and facility arrangements were discussed. Tony Hatfield (district staff) told the board he would arrange drivers so teams could practice at both campus and city fields; the board and coaches discussed using the city’s Citi Field for some boys’ practices and the district softball field for girls. Coaches noted a cooperative approach with the city to manage light usage and minor facility improvements at the community park. Board members asked about safe storage for equipment and changing locations; staff said existing locker rooms could be used and secured for daily equipment storage.
Board members also discussed regional competition and classification. Coaches said there are sufficient nearby teams within about a 60-mile radius to fill a middle-school schedule. Questions arose about bat standards and middle-school baseball bat drop; board members asked staff to confirm MSHSAA or middle-school regulations and any bat-certification rules before final implementation.
The board member who moved the motion said the proposal should proceed; a second was given, and the motion carried on a voice vote. The motion approved establishing Camdenton R-III middle school baseball and softball programs beginning in spring 2026.
Ending: Staff said they will return with any outstanding regulatory clarifications (for example, bat specifications) and final budget language for the FY26 planning process.
