School board approves $99,320 to launch intramurals, clubs and a fishing program

The Franklin County Public Schools Board voted Oct. 13 to approve $99,320 in budget spending to support a middle-school intramurals program, new student clubs and a fishing program at the high school.

Board members discussed a multi-part proposal that covers middle-school intramurals (girls and boys basketball and volleyball), a slate of new clubs, sponsor stipends and startup equipment for the middle school, plus a fishing-club stipend and transportation support at the high school. During discussion, presenters said the current year request would be $4,848 (for initial stipends and clubs) and the fishing and activity pieces would bring the full request for this fiscal year to roughly $7,800; the board approved a consolidated request of $99,320 to include this yearand additional budget priorities for next year.

The board moved and seconded a motion to approve the package. The chair called for the vote and the motion carried; the clerk recorded the vote and the chair said, “That motion carries.” Board members discussed implementation details for stipends, transportation and possible later equipment purchases.

Supervisors and staff who presented described transportation logistics, possible use of activity buses and vans at the high school, volunteer support for the fishing club, and projected costs if the programs expand. The fishing proposal includes modest start-up funding this year and higher transportation and stipend estimates for 2026-27 if the program continues and grows. The board directed staff to include the approved amount in budget documents and to move forward with implementation planning.