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District to move middle-school sports to community education; families could pay up to $200 per participant
Summary
To stop a roughly $150,000 annual general-fund loss, the district will shift middle-school athletics oversight to community education, preserving transportation and a reduced-price tier while proposing a worst-case full fee ceiling of $200 per participant; community groups and the Bayport Lions Club pledged initial financial support.
District staff told the Stillwater Area Public Schools board that middle-school athletics currently operates at a loss of about $150,000 a year covered by the general fund and proposed shifting the program into community education to stabilize finances while maintaining accessibility.
Annette, who presented the report, said community feedback valued the existing coaches, transportation and inclusiveness, and staff looked for ways to maintain those elements while making the budget viable. Under a worst-case projection presented to the board, the full-price fee could be as high as $200 per participant; staff said they would preserve a reduced/free tier with a nominal administrative fee ($25 was used as a planning model) and continue to seek city and civic contributions to lower family costs.
Staff estimated the per-participant cost to run the full program (including transportation and staffing) at about $285, and the district identified roughly $50,000 it could cover for transportation and consistent administrative support. The Bayport Lions Club agreed to provide multi-year support, and presenters said outreach to service organizations and municipalities is ongoing to reduce the fee burden.
Staff clarified registration would continue through the existing school registration system and emphasized community education is a department inside the district rather than an outside vendor. Board members endorsed the transition subject to continued community fundraising and reporting back on registration details and costs.
