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Athletics director: 'Money should not stop students' — district reports strong participation and plans for construction impacts
Summary
The district reported broad athletic participation (237 athlete-season entries), high participation among McKinney-Vento students (about 50%), and said ASB absorbed roughly $14,000 in participation fees this year; construction will shift games and reduce some gate/concession revenue.
At its workshop the South Whidbey School District received the annual interscholastic activities report and heard athletics leadership describe participation, equity efforts and impacts from ongoing construction.
Mr. Sommer, who presented the athletic review, said the district recorded 237 athlete-season entries (multi-sport athletes counted multiple times), that girls’ participation exceeded boys’ participation overall, and that about 50% of students qualifying as McKinney-Vento participated in athletics (roughly 43% of students receiving free and reduced-price meals also participated). He credited partnerships (for example, WIN and Readiness to Learn) and ASB/booster support for removing financial barriers.
"The reason a student can't participate or doesn't participate in athletics is never because of money," Mr. Sommer told the board, noting the district covered approximately $14,000 in athletic fees this year to comply with changes tied to House Bill 1660 and local policy. Board members added that booster and community support — including a recent grocery outlet partnership and about $11,341 in booster purchases reported for uniforms and equipment — helps sustain programs.
The presentation also reviewed recent competitive results: state placers in cross country and track, multiple state championships in swimming and track events, and strong scholastic performance among teams (many teams reported average GPAs at or above 3.0, with several at 3.5 or higher). Athletic leaders noted logistical challenges during campus construction: temporary practice locations, a stadium/track that is under construction and a plan to host more away football games next year; staff warned this will reduce gate and concession revenue and said they are coordinating with boosters and ASB on mitigation.
Mr. Sommer closed by highlighting the district’s club offerings, ASB financial health and facility improvements while flagging that space and coach availability may require limiting participation in some activities in the future. The board asked for continued updates as construction and scheduling are finalized.
