Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Middle School Athletics topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission appoints ad hoc to evaluate middle school athletics; coach‑led nonprofit urges expansion of community‑run teams
Summary
The Parks and Recreation Commission voted 7‑0 to create an ad hoc to evaluate middle school athletics and whether nonprofit organizations should manage teams. A Palo Alto coach who formed a nonprofit said community‑run teams reduced registration costs and channeled more funds to coaching.
The Parks and Recreation Commission on Dec. 18 voted unanimously to appoint an ad hoc committee to study middle school athletics and recommend whether city programs should be adjusted or outsourced to local nonprofits.
The motion directs the ad hoc to evaluate how the current middle‑school athletics program aligns with universal access, state law and the city’s goals; whether nonprofits could operate middle school teams more equitably; and what resources, timelines and priorities would be required. Commissioners Brown, Cribbs and Dang were appointed to the ad hoc.
Public comment: Tom Haxton, a JLS middle‑school cross‑country coach, described a nonprofit he formed this year, the Palo Alto Middle School Athletics Community Organization. Haxton said his group ran JLS’s cross‑country team in fall 2024, lowering registration from the city’s $335 to $200 and directing more of the fee revenue to coaching and student support. Haxton said his nonprofit fielded 59 athletes despite limited advertising and asked the ad hoc to consider how the city could partner with or scale similar nonprofit models.
Why it matters: The council asked for the study as part of its June direction after hearing concerns about fees, equity and program cost structure. Commissioners said the issue will require work with the school district, city finance and recreation staff and multiple stakeholders to craft recommendations.
Vote: The commission recorded a roll‑call vote that appointed the ad hoc by a 7‑0 tally. Staff said they expect the ad hoc to work through next year and return recommendations to the full commission for further direction.
Ending: Commissioners and staff agreed the ad hoc should develop a scope and timeline, engage stakeholders and return to the commission with a proposed workplan.
