Local nonprofit presses PRC ad hoc to speed evaluation of outsourcing middle school athletics

Tom Haxton, who identified himself as president of the Palo Alto Middle School Athletics Community Organization, used the Parks and Recreation Commission public‑comment period on March 25 to press the commission’s ad hoc committee to accelerate its evaluation of whether middle school athletics can be outsourced to local nonprofits.

Haxton said his organization successfully ran a cross‑country team for JLS Middle School in fall 2024 and argued the nonprofit model improved student experience and equity by reducing registration fees. He noted the City Council unanimously directed an evaluation of outsourcing after advocacy earlier in the prior fall and said the ad hoc committee—formed Dec. 18—has not yet engaged with his group despite his offers to meet.

Why this matters: the proposal would shift operational responsibility for middle‑school sports from city programs to nonprofit operators and could change program costs, equity and logistics for roughly the city’s middle‑school population.

What Haxton asked the commission Haxton told commissioners he emailed the ad hoc committee on Dec. 29 and Feb. 25 to offer information and assistance and asked for a meeting. He emphasized timing: with about two months left in the fiscal year the committee should act to influence a fall sports season. He also said his group had faced challenges working with city staff and mentioned ongoing legal action related to a separate incident; he asked that those issues not impede the committee’s evaluation.

Commission response Commissioners thanked Haxton for speaking and noted the ad hoc committee’s work is underway. No formal action or vote was taken at the March 25 meeting; commissioners asked staff and the ad hoc to coordinate next steps and community engagement.