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Washtucna board weighs options as athletics co‑op partners face financial strain; one member cites roughly "$150,000 a year"
Summary
Board discussed small‑school athletic co‑op sustainability amid rising costs. Members reported partner districts sending few students, high uniform and coaching costs, and one participant said the co‑op represents "roughly a $150,000 a year" to a partner—details the board agreed to verify before any decision.
Board members spent substantial time on the status and financial structure of the athletics combine with neighboring districts. Speaker 4 reported outreach to other superintendents and said Sprague and Harrington plan to remain in the combine but send very few students. The board reviewed participation counts—"6 students" (two high school, four middle school) for fall season—and rising costs: "Last year, it was about 15,000 for fall sports. This year, it was about 20," a staffer said.
Participants discussed the uneven cost burden: travel, coaching salaries and uniform purchases were cited as drivers. A parent estimated the co‑op cost to a partner at "roughly a $150,000 a year," and members debated negotiating a flat rate, adjusting splits, or letting the partner districts change the arrangement (which could change competitive classification). The board agreed to check contract terms and seek feedback from partner superintendents and boards before making changes.
