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Beloit considers co-ops and cuts to close athletics shortfall; middle-school sports targeted for savings
Summary
Athletics director presented options — modest per-program supplements, expanded facility rentals/fundraising, co-oping programs with neighboring districts or eliminating middle-school sports — as trustees weigh how to close a district budget gap while preserving student participation.
Athletic director (Mr. Gratz) told trustees the district’s athletics spending has declined from roughly $318,000 in prior years to a proposed baseline near $255,000 and outlined options to reconcile the gap.
Mr. Gratz said modest additions (about $5,000 per program) could blunt some shortfalls but rising costs for equipment, officials and transportation limit flexibility. He recommended three paths: co-oping programs with neighboring districts to reduce per‑athlete cost and preserve participation; increasing facility rentals and more targeted fundraising so event revenue directly supports programs; or, as a last resort, eliminating middle-school athletics in whole (estimated savings of $80,000–$100,000) and moving offerings to community partners (YMCA, Boys & Girls Club) where feasible.
Board members urged a quick analysis because co-op approvals to affect the 2026-27 spring season require near-term deadlines (May 1). Trustees asked administration to prepare specific co-op proposals and program-level cost/benefit comparisons and to return to the board before the May 1 deadline.
No final decision was made; trustees directed staff to present detailed co-op options, revenue-generation proposals for underused facilities and specific savings estimates at a budget workshop.
