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Spooner Area School Board approves one-year esports pilot program
Summary
After debating costs and possible impacts on other athletics, the Spooner Area School District board approved a one-year pilot for a high school esports program, with members citing potential student engagement and possible grant support.
The Spooner Area School District board voted to approve a one-year pilot of a high school esports program following member discussion about costs, participation and effects on existing athletics.
Board members raised concerns about upfront costs and whether esports would draw students away from traditional sports. Supporters said the program could engage students who are not currently participating in extracurriculars and pointed to potential outside funding such as OST grant opportunities. After an amendment to make the program a one-year pilot, the board approved the amended motion in a roll-call vote.
The proposal as authorized will run for one academic year, after which the board said it will review participation, costs and program impact and decide whether to continue the program. The board noted possible grant funding as one avenue to offset startup expenses.
The board did not record detailed budget figures for startup costs in the discussion transcript; board members asked staff to monitor participation and report back at the one-year review.
