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Board approves cooperative gymnastics agreement draft allowing Stewartville athletes to join neighboring host program
Summary
The board approved a proposed cooperative agreement that would let Stewartville students participate on a host district’s gymnastics team pending Minnesota State High School League approval; families will pay participation fees and a $1,323 gymnastics account balance may be used on a reimbursable basis this year.
The Stewartville Public School District board approved a proposed draft cooperative agreement with Castle Manorville and Triton that would allow Stewartville students to participate on the host program’s Minnesota State High School League gymnastics team. The motion to approve the draft passed unanimously, 7–0.
The agreement is conditional on written approval from the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) and, if approved by MSHSL, would span the required two‑year cooperative term (2025–26 and 2026–27 seasons) unless renewed or terminated under the contract’s provisions. The host program would handle roster selection, coaching hires and supervision, facilities, equipment ownership and maintenance, and team identity; athletes from Stewartville would compete under the host’s name, colors and branding.
Student eligibility must meet Stewartville’s academic, conduct and age standards while following the host program’s eligibility timelines. Families would be required to confirm student intent to participate by Sept. 28 for the 2025–26 season so the host can set participation costs. The agreement states Stewartville will not incur expenses; each athlete’s family must pay the host program’s participation fee directly. The host’s fees, including coaching salaries, uniforms, equipment and travel, are set by the host and will be recalculated annually. If a student is not rostered, fees will be refunded; withdrawals after the season starts would not be refunded, and the host program will not honor Stewartville fee‑reduction or waiver policies.
The board also addressed remaining funds from Stewartville’s discontinued gymnastics program. The proposed draft allows members of last year’s Stewartville gymnastics program to use up to $1,323 from the district’s gymnastics 900 account on a reimbursable basis for participation through the host program, camps or club activities for the current fiscal year. Reimbursement requires proof of payment and must be submitted by June 30; auditors told staff the district cannot accept new deposits to the dormant 900 account and cannot carry the account forward beyond June 30.
The board’s motion on agenda item 9C was made by Mr. Geist, seconded by Mr. Vandemars, and carried 7–0. The district will notify families and coordinate with Castle Manorville and Triton on MSHSL paperwork; if all three school boards sign the MSHSL cooperative form and MSHSL approves, the cooperative will proceed for the two‑year term.
