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Athletics committee outlines upcoming items: gate fees, Atlantic survey, football scheduling and scoreboard repairs
Summary
The committee previewed a waiver proposal for gate fees, said an Atlantic survey synopsis and spring-season ideas will return, discussed possible return of Friday-night football, and confirmed a plan to repair an older scoreboard.
The Manchester School District Special Committee on Athletics used the Jan. 8 meeting to preview several items for future meetings, including a proposal to waive gate fees, an Atlantic survey synopsis, consideration of returning Saturday football games to Friday nights, and repairs to an older scoreboard at Central.
The chair said a proposal will be presented at the next meeting to waive gate fees for certain groups and to relieve athletes from paying entrance fees; "I totally believe that our students should not be paying either," the chair said. The chair added a retired coach had suggested waiving fees for elderly spectators and that staff had already submitted a draft proposal to the administration for the committee's next meeting.
Committee members also said staff have prepared a synopsis of Atlantic survey data and spring-season ideas that will come forward at the next meeting. The synopsis is being kept open for public comment for a period and staff will present recommendations for spring programming based on the data.
Committee member Turner reiterated concerns about moving varsity football games from Friday nights to Saturdays because of impacts on marching band members, cross-country athletes and family schedules. Turner said band obligations tied to grades and Saturday invitationals for other sports can create scheduling conflicts for students who "double dip" in activities. The item remains under consideration; staff indicated they would continue to explore options and may engage music and athletics departments.
On facilities, the committee discussed a Central gym scoreboard that was not functioning. Facilities staff reported older boards (about 25 years old) may have external antennas and require outside technical service; the district arranged for an outside technician to diagnose the issue. Committee members noted this is one reason the district is advancing a long-term facilities plan.
The committee also congratulated local coaches on recent recognitions and playoff appearances and said those items will be acknowledged at a future full-board meeting.
