Gloucester crew boosters ask school board to absorb transportation costs so students can compete

Jack Moore, a longtime Gloucester resident and senior board member of the Gloucester Rowing Association, asked the Gloucester County School Board on Oct. 8 to consider absorbing the crew team's transportation costs. "I'm here before you to ask Gloucester County Public Schools to consider absorbing that transportation cost for the crew team," Moore said, describing travel as the team's largest annual expense and noting the organization operates on a "shoestring" budget with boats and oars more than 20 years old.

The request followed a 15-minute presentation about the club's work with students and an existing memorandum of understanding under which the district provides transportation at the team's cost. Moore said covering transport would improve equity by allowing students from lower-income families to participate and free booster funds for equipment replacement. Board members declined to promise immediate funding but directed operational staff to review the MOU and discuss options with athletics and budget staff. "We can revisit that MOU and see how we can work together," Superintendent Dr. Ladue said, adding that some updates might be handled administratively or, if required, brought to the board.

Several community members echoed Moore during the citizen-comment period. Parents, alumni and the rowing association president described crew as a team-building, scholarship-producing activity that connects students to Gloucester's maritime heritage. "By assisting with transportation, you will allow us to redirect funds toward improving equipment and reducing the financial burden on families," said Jenna Dominguez during public comment.

Board members asked staff to review liability and budget implications, and to bring back options for possible administrative MOU revisions or a formal board request if necessary. No formal funding decision or motion to allocate district dollars was made at the Oct. 8 meeting; the board asked staff to investigate and return with recommendations or a revised MOU for future consideration.

Next steps: operations and athletics staff will meet with the Gloucester Rowing Association and return with options for updating the MOU or a recommendation for board action, according to the superintendent's comments at the meeting.