Board approves raising athletic gate prices to $4 for adults, $2 for students after debate

Board members approved a change to athletic event pricing after discussion about consistency with league pricing and Booster Club passes. Following a motion and second, the board voted 4–2 to set adult gate prices at $4 and student prices at $2. Board members expressed concern about public reaction to higher prices and discussed alternatives such as offering passes to booster volunteers.

Athletics and activities dominated the conversation before the vote. The district’s athletic director (two weeks on the job) reported participation challenges: "both teams right now are practicing every day with 11 kids," he said when describing current baseball and softball roster sizes. He outlined a recruitment strategy that includes open gyms, camps, clinics and intramurals targeting elementary students to build future participation.

The athletic director also said district staff had discussed a cooperative arrangement with neighboring Dixon for girls’ athletics if local numbers remain insufficient. He emphasized protecting Newburg students’ playing time and uniforms in any co‑op arrangement and said Dixon’s administrators were open to preliminary cooperation and open‑gym sessions.

The board discussed booster involvement in concessions and pass distribution. Administration reported meeting with Booster Club members to strengthen partnerships and encourage volunteer recruitment for concession operations. Some board members said booster membership historically included pass privileges; others said the booster sale of passes last year created confusion and that the district should clarify policy and gate revenue handling.

Next steps: administration will continue booster outreach, finalize concessions staffing and communicate the new gate pricing and any booster pass policy to the public.