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Joliet, neighboring district discuss athletic co‑op to keep small‑school sports viable
Summary
Joliet trustees and athletic staff heard an extended presentation from Joliet athletic director Levi Lauer and neighboring‑district representatives about forming a co‑op to sustain sports programs (football, basketball, volleyball and others). Officials said the move could preserve student opportunities amid single‑digit rosters and rising program costs; next steps include committee work and MHSA coordination.
District leaders and coaches discussed a possible athletics co‑op between Joliet and a neighboring district at the March 18 meeting, highlighting that low participation threatens some sports and that a cooperative arrangement could sustain opportunities for student athletes.
Levi Lauer, Joliet’s athletic director, described multiple seasons in which teams fielded single‑digit rosters and said that, in some years, sports participation is the primary reason certain students stay in school. “I had eight for a 6‑man team. I had eight athletes. I did not have a bench warmer,” Lauer said. He urged trustees to consider a co‑op to provide more consistent rosters and competitive experiences.
Board and district officials discussed logistical questions — who hires coaches, whether home games or uniforms would change, transportation and activity‑fee sharing, and MHSA (Montana High School Association) deadlines. Trustees noted community identity concerns and the need for clear communication to parents and students, but several members and athletic staff said they favored pursuing options that preserve student access to teams.
Officials identified immediate next steps: the activities committee will meet with Joliet and neighboring‑district representatives to develop possible cost‑sharing approaches and operational details and to prepare documents for MHSA review. Several board members asked that an activities‑committee meeting take place within weeks to allow a timely MHSA submission if needed.
No formal board action to form a co‑op was taken at this meeting; trustees asked staff to gather more precise cost and schedule information and to return to the board with a proposal in advance of MHSA deadlines.
