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Superintendent urges community discussion after athletics co‑op costs exceed local participation
Summary
Superintendent told the board athletics costs including $55,000 cooperative membership and about $15,000 transportation total roughly $70,000 per year; with only a few local participants, she recommended convening students and a community forum to explore options.
Superintendent reviewed athletics costs the district shares through a cooperative: approximately $55,000 paid to Ritzville for co‑op membership and roughly $15,000 for transportation, for a combined annual cost near $70,000. She emphasized the district's low participation this winter — examples given included one cheerleader and two high‑school basketball participants — and said this low usage raises equity questions about paying the full co‑op share.
The superintendent said she will meet with students after the new year and hold a community meeting to gather input, and that she plans to ask Ritzville for a reduced rate given the district's small participation. Board members raised the prospect of offering district‑run, individual sports for better alignment with student interest, but also noted potential disadvantages for recruiting and enrollment if the district withdrew from the co‑op. No final decision was made; the superintendent framed the matter as a community and board decision.
