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Dixon High athletics reports growth and rising costs; district to review budget and facility needs
Summary
Dixon High Athletic Director Brett Petersen told the board athletics serve roughly 1 in 3 students, with 14 of 18 programs reaching postseason; the program faces rising referee and transportation costs and aging facilities including an unplayable portion of tennis courts and a worn track.
Brett Petersen, Dixon High School athletic director, updated the board on athletics participation, accomplishments, budget pressures and facility maintenance needs.
Petersen told the board he estimates "roughly 300 to 350 athletes on campus. About 1 in every 3 students are participating in sports," noting many multi-sport athletes. He listed successes—including league championships in flag football and girls soccer, 14 of 18 programs making postseason, and student-athletes with academic honors (average GPA for athletes reported as 3.3). He also noted more than 10 athletes were committing to play at two- or four-year colleges.
On finances, Petersen said the district covers stipends, transportation, safety refurbishment and an $18,000 annual uniform allocation that replaces team-by-team fundraisers and aims to promote equity. He said referee and umpire costs are roughly $50,000 a year and rising, and transportation costs had approached $120,000 in the most recent year after league changes increased travel; increased travel and larger rosters for newer sports such as flag football require additional buses and spending.
Petersen detailed long-term facility issues: cracks and unplayable tennis courts, a track surface with fading lines and a sinkhole nearby, an aging weight room and irrigation and field maintenance needs. He asked the board to review maintenance priorities and plan for capital upkeep. Superintendent Barley and CBO Joanna Holar confirmed they will meet with the athletic department staff to review the department's spreadsheet of games and transportation needs and incorporate items into budget discussions; Barley characterized the presentation as "receive and file."
Petersen also described student-athlete leadership work (a captain's council), booster events and upcoming athletics events including an athletic honors awards night planned for May 22.
Provenance: Petersen's report begins in the presentations section with participation and budget details and concludes with the board confirming staff will meet with CBO and administration to review needs.
