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District reports near-10% rise in elementary youth-sports participation under 'Elevate 5'
Summary
District officials reported that elementary participation in the Elevate 5 youth athletics program rose from 1,165 to 1,273 participants (about a 9% increase), added first- and second-grade offerings and expanded volunteer coaching supports and camps.
District staff and community partners briefed the board on Elevate 5, the district's initiative to increase youth participation in school-based athletics for grades 1-6.
The presenter said participation rose from 1,165 to 1,273 students, an increase the presentation attributed in part to the program being fully implemented across grades 1-6 for the first time. "So that's showing the increase in the total increase from 11 65 to 12 73. So almost a 10% increase of participation," the presenter said.
Key changes this year included adding first- and second-grade volleyball, football and cross-country options, more camps and off-season clinics, expanded coach stipends through career-ladder pay, and new Special Olympics track-and-field teams for grades 3-6 (9 athletes participated this year). The program also emphasized working with Cape Parks & Rec to address talent disparity across divisions and to limit mismatches when forming leagues.
Presenters said recruiting and retaining qualified volunteer coaches remains the primary constraint; the district has used career-ladder pay and teacher/coach training clinics to improve coach availability. The board and staff also discussed plans to expand programming for students with disabilities beyond track and field and to explore swim, tennis, golf and wrestling with community partners.
Board members praised volunteer coaches and district PE staff and noted long-term goals linking athletics participation to attendance, behavior and civic outcomes. No formal action was required; the board received the report and thanked staff and volunteers.
