Athletics update: girls soccer co-op approved, weight-room upgrades complete and $5.5M track project proposed

The Jefferson SD 14J board approved a one-year cooperative sponsorship to form a girls soccer team with Cross Hill/Christian School for the 2026–27 school year, after the athletic director explained Cross Hill will cover officials and transportation and Jefferson will provide fields and a volunteer coach.

Athletics and facilities reports highlighted several recent upgrades: a near-complete weight room that increases capacity, new girls' team-room lockers and painting, and small but safety-driven kitchen improvements that nutrition staff said have boosted participation. The nutrition director reported the food program served roughly 115,545 meals this year (about 50,244 breakfasts and about 65,301 lunches as reported) and previewed a summer meals program beginning June 22.

The athletic director presented preliminary design and budget options for a new track and stadium. He described vendor comparisons, warranty and life-expectancy tradeoffs, site work, lighting, restroom and concession support buildings, and use of the AEA cooperative design-build procurement. A budgetary planning figure of about $5.5 million was discussed for an eight-lane track with a 700-seat grandstand and related site improvements; the director noted the figure would vary with scope, contingencies and added community lanes. Geotechnical work was discussed as part of the planning and the director said the district will explore community fundraising and potential bond financing, and bring tax-figure estimates to a future meeting.

Board members agreed to discuss bond and financing options at the August meeting and to continue preliminary fundraising and community outreach in the interim.