Sparta High administration outlines cuts and caps for co‑curricular budget; board accepts plan

Sparta High School administrators presented targeted reductions and operational changes to reduce the high school's co‑curricular spending on June 8. The proposed measures — presented by Mr. Dao and Sam — included capping transportation reimbursement per event, not funding overnight travel expenses for routine nonconference trips, holding open low‑participation advisor positions vacant, reducing paid event staff where safe to do so, and pursuing sponsorship or advertising revenue to offset livestream (Huddle) costs.

Mr. Dao said the new fleet and scheduling practices allow for sending coaches instead of buses for small rosters, and that overnight travel costs (which also require substitute teachers and increase other district costs) were a major driver of large out‑of‑town expenses. He estimated near‑term savings of $25,000–$35,000 and said the SHS co‑curricular budget could be reduced from about $350,000 to $300,000 by implementing the listed administrative changes.

Board members discussed balancing cost savings with program access and equity, and suggested exploring registration fees and targeted fundraising to avoid reducing student opportunities. The board moved and approved the administration's proposed reductions (consent); the vote was recorded by roll call as unanimous (7‑0). Administration said some longer‑range options (eliminating levels, travel radii) would require additional stakeholder notice and cannot be implemented immediately due to existing contracts and scheduling timelines.

The administration will proceed with the agreed operating adjustments and report back on implementation and any unintended program impacts.