Board approves Central Middle School athletics budget, adding seventh- and eighth-grade basketball

The Hartford Joint 1 District board approved the Central Middle School athletics budget for 2025–26, which adds girls' and boys' basketball for seventh and eighth grades and outlines start-up and recurring costs.

Administrators described the budget components — one-time purchases such as uniforms and banners and recurring costs like coaching stipends, transportation and management software — and said some line items (for example, software and equipment) have one-time and ongoing components. "If I could have done that in advance, I should have done that in advance, and I did not," an administrator said, acknowledging the budget could have separated start-up and recurring costs more clearly.

Board members discussed transportation logistics and whether the district van and other vehicles will suffice for away competitions, and noted parent-coach arrangements have been used historically. Administrators said they have reached out to athletic directors in other districts for guidance and will monitor demand, staffing and scheduling; the district anticipates using existing vehicles when possible and recruiting or verifying drivers as needed.

The board approved the budget by roll call. Administrators said they will collect data this year on participation and transportation needs to inform future decisions about adding more sports such as volleyball.