Students, parents and alumni urge Kiona-Benton board to preserve sports amid budget pressure

About a dozen student athletes and parents told the Kiona-Benton City School District board that athletics are a critical support for students and urged the district to avoid cuts that would reduce playing opportunities.

High school principal Mr. Henry introduced athletic captains and coaches and said the spring season includes "126 athletes" participating across sports; he invited the board and community to home soccer matches and said schedules are available online. "We have great kids who work hard and wanna make sure that they represent our community and our school district," Mr. Henry said.

Students stressed the personal and mental-health benefits of sports. Dalton Sherman, representing track and field, said the team had "50 something kids" this year and that the sport "teaches discipline" and helps students stay committed in class. Connor Marler, identified as a junior, recounted moving between schools and dealing with "severe depression," and said baseball provided "structure" and "a purpose," urging board members, "please don't take this away from us."

Former board member Tanya Chase asked the board to "pull back the books" and examine proposed cuts before deciding, saying parents and students want transparency about what can and cannot be cut. Committee members at the meeting reiterated that many extracurriculars are funded in part by levies and encouraged turnout for upcoming votes.

The board did not take a formal budget vote at this meeting; the district's budget discussions continue in scheduled work sessions. The superintendent and staff said they will provide line-by-line details once the state's budget-entry tool is available.