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Parent tells Harper Creek board robotics club lacks district funding; asks administration to benchmark peer support
Summary
A parent urged the board to provide funding for the Harper Creek robotics club, saying teams commonly need tens of thousands of dollars to build and compete and that current support is exclusively fundraising by parents and volunteers.
During the public‑comment portion of the meeting, a parent and robotics volunteer told the board the Harper Creek robotics club currently receives no district funding and relies on parent fundraisers and instructor efforts.
Talon Rob (address given for record) said the average cost to build and field a competitive robotics entry can be about $27,000 and that Harper Creek’s team has depended on reused parts and volunteer fundraising in its first year. Rob asked the board to consider providing financial support so students can “have a fighting chance” in competition and described the club’s STEM and engineering benefits.
Superintendent Robert Ridgeway acknowledged the request and said he would look into how nearby districts support robotics programs and report back. The board did not take immediate action; the item was recorded as a public comment and staff follow‑up was requested.
The parent said the club’s work teaches engineering, robotics and STEM skills and asked for closer collaboration between the district and the club to improve competitive opportunities.
