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Board approves Venture Out Club for Sultan Middle School after presenters outline grants and safety plans
Summary
Board approved the Venture Out Club for Sultan Middle School; presenters said Epic Promise Foundation scholarships will cover lessons/rentals for 50 students and an OSPI outdoor education grant (applied for $23,000) would cover transportation. Presenters said no district funds are requested and discussed insurance for certain activities.
The Sultan School District board unanimously approved the Venture Out Club for Sultan Middle School on Aug. 26 after club organizers described grant funding, partner organizations and risk-management plans.
Allison (first name only in the meeting record) and Kim Yalrif, assistant principal at the middle school, told the board the club will expose students to outdoor activities such as skiing, mountain biking and river-based activities. Presenters said they had secured an Epic Promise Foundation scholarship that would cover lessons, rentals and lift tickets for 50 students at no cost to those students and that they applied for an OSPI outdoor education grant for $23,000 to cover transportation costs. Presenters said additional in-kind donations (for example, donated bikes) and volunteer coaches would reduce costs.
On safety and insurance, presenters said most activities would be covered by existing district insurance when run as school-sponsored activities; kayaking may require supplemental coverage and organizers said they would obtain additional insurance where needed. Presenters also said the Washington Student Cycling League provides insurance for registered racers.
Board members asked about risk, insurance and whether the club would ask the district for money. Presenters repeatedly told the board the club was not requesting district funds and that they were pursuing grant and fundraising options. The board approved the club and the club constitution that will establish a student leadership board and committees.
Why it matters: The program aims to increase outdoor activity participation and student well-being, provide career exposure to local outdoor industries and expand extracurricular options for students who do not participate in team sports.
What happens next: The club organizers will continue grant work, arrange any supplemental insurance needed for water activities, and notify the district of transportation logistics should the OSPI grant be awarded.
