Board approves esports club for grades 7–12 after debate on funding precedent
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Summary
The Luxemburg‑Casco board approved a school‑sanctioned esports club for grades 7–12, authorizing an initial start‑up budget of $4,694.44. Board members supported the club’s potential to engage students who are not reached by traditional athletics but raised questions about using district funds when other niche activities were self‑funded.
The Luxemburg‑Casco School District Board of Education approved the creation of an esports club for students in grades 7 through 12 and authorized an initial start‑up payment of $4,694.44 to purchase software and cover initial operating needs.
Proponents told the board the club is intended to reach students who do not participate in traditional athletics and to provide supervised, school‑based opportunities for teamwork, digital citizenship and college scholarship pathways. Speakers cited examples of other college programs that offer scholarships for competitive gaming and said esports can build protective factors that support students’ mental health and school engagement.
Several board members expressed support for the concept but raised concerns about funding precedent. One board member noted that the trap and fishing teams had started without district seed funding, and asked why esports should receive district money when those groups have self‑funded. Club organizers and staff said initial operations can largely use existing school computers and that most future costs would be covered by fundraising; the district offered one‑time support for software costs (a district staff member noted a possible $5,000 district contribution for software in discussion).
Board members also discussed technical constraints: the district’s CAD lab computers and existing bandwidth could support a small group initially, but competing at larger tournaments would require upgraded equipment and additional bandwidth. Club organizers said they expect to pursue fundraising and donations for future equipment upgrades.
A motion to establish the esports club and approve the stated initial startup cost passed on a voice vote. The transcript shows the motion carried during the action‑item sequence; no roll‑call tally was read aloud in the transcript for this motion.