Board approves overnight cheer camp despite concerns about doubled per-student cost

The Round Lake Area Board of Education voted May 19 to approve an overnight cheer camp for high-school cheerleaders at Carthage College July 13'15, despite board members' questions about a roughly doubled per-student cost.

Principal Peterson described the trip and the cost: "The total cost of this trip is $22,295. The cost for our student athletes is approximately $285," Peterson said, noting fundraising and booster support will be made available. Board members asked for documentation showing how and when families were told of the increase and what fundraising options exist; Peterson said communications had been shared since the start of cheer and that the administration would follow up with written confirmations and attendance numbers.

Several trustees pressed on affordability and communication. "That's a really large increase...What kind of fundraising or what's the timeline they have to raise that?" one member asked, citing concerns that car washes and small fundraisers may not cover a 50%-plus increase. Administration committed to providing specifics and said there would be fundraising opportunities via online platforms and other events.

Board members debated whether to delay a vote until the documentation was supplied. Several trustees felt the trip itself should not be endangered by further delay and observed that the price would not change by waiting; the motion to approve carried on roll call.

Vote and next steps: The board approved the overnight cheer camp; administration will provide written confirmation of family communications, the number of athletes attending and a detailed list of fundraising options.

Ending: The administration said it would return the requested documentation to trustees promptly and will follow up with the full board.