USD 235 board gives UJSHS softball, baseball programs a chance

UNIONTOWN -- The USD 235 Board of Education voted to field a softball team next year for Uniontown Junior Senior High School and chose to give a local group more time to raise money for a baseball program.

During their regular meeting Monday evening, the board members approved a motion to begin a softball program in February 2008 and another motion to grant a 60-day extension for parents and other local residents who are trying to raise money to pay for a baseball program next spring.

The board originally approved both programs in April on the condition that three conditions were met. One of those conditions required a local group of citizens and parents to raise enough money -- about $9,800 per team -- to fund both teams next year. To date, the fund-raising group for the softball team had raised about $7,428, while the fund-raising group for the baseball team has only raised about $1,453, school officials said.

The other two conditions the board required before approving the programs earlier this year are as follows:

* The City of Bronson will allow the use of the field for the baseball team to play home games, and Bronson city officials will handle the preparation and maintenance of that field.

* The City of Uniontown will pay for utility costs associated with their softball field. Uniontown city officials will also ensure that restrooms and bleachers at that field are made handicapped-accessible, and that pitching machines are available for both fields.

Baseball program officials now have a November deadline to come up with adequate funding that would allow a baseball team to take the field next spring -- or the team may have to wait until the 2009 season to begin play, officials said.

UJSHS Principal Tracy Smith said a game schedule for both teams has already been created for the 2008 spring sports season. The Kansas State High School Activities Association has to be informed by February of any district athletic programs that plan to participate in the spring sports season, Smith said. No matter what the board decides to do with the programs, both team's games will not be scheduled around state assessment tests, which are a top priority for the district, he said.

Both teams would cost between $25,000 and $30,000 to implement, including coaches' salaries, and cost for traveling, uniforms and equipment. The district will not pay for the programs out of its budget. The board instead chose to have the money raised locally by parents and students who are interested in the programs.

More than 90 fifth through 12th grade students have expressed interest in the programs following the results of a survey conducted by parents and supporters of the programs earlier this year.

The board has heard contrasting viewpoints on the addition of the two programs from parents, teachers, coaches and other community members since last fall. After consistent debate and discussion on the issue, the board voted in April to add both programs to the district.

Before ultimately making their decision on Monday, the board heard more feedback from the public -- primarily parents and teachers -- during the meeting concerning the ability to fund both programs down the road with the cost of coaches salaries, equipment and uniforms, the issue of whether the programs are needed in the district, and the issue of academics before athletics.

UJSHS mathematics teacher Alan Shinn, who plans to coach the softball team, said about 30 girls are currently interested in playing softball, which would make the program the largest girls athletic program in the district.

Team members are planning a fund raising event in order to pay for about $3,000 to $4,000 worth of needed equipment and uniforms, Shinn said.

Shinn told the board he hoped they would approve the softball program, even if the baseball program had not raised enough money to get started next spring.

"If you vote this down, you're telling 30 girls they're not important," Shinn said. "Are we here for the kids, or for a technicality?"

Baseball team officials had stopped raising money for their program because the board had originally outlined July 1 as the deadline for both teams to raise the required funds. Neither team had raised the required amount by that time, but as of July 23, the softball program was well ahead of the baseball program in raised funds.

In order to create a fair situation for the baseball program, the board voted on Monday to allow program officials an additional two months to raise the rest of the money needed to fund the baseball program.

"We have more than enough to do softball, there's not enough for baseball," USD 235 Superintendent Randy Rockhold said. "This would make it fair for them (baseball program)."

In response to one resident's concern, Rockhold said that if one program were to be approved, and the other program is voted down, money that is raised or donated to the programs must be refunded, unless the donor specifically requests that program officials keep the money toward funding the program in the future.

When fund raising efforts began in April, donors were told that both programs would begin next spring, Rockhold said.

Local resident Lori Stephens, a teacher in Moran, appeared at the meeting Monday to voice her opposition to the programs, saying that academics should come before athletics, and that the district already has enough youth sports available during the school year.

Stephens attempted to convey to the board that the money to fund both programs would not be available in the future.

"Being a 2A school, our numbers just aren't high enough," Stephens said. "Adding more things costs money. They can play in the summer. Times are going to get tighter. Their chances are better to get academic scholarships."

The board also conducted the following business on Monday:

* Approved the district budget for the 2007-08 school year, which includes a $3.9 million general fund.

* Approved a resignation from former board member Jeanne Camac; a resolution to fill the vacant board seat; and the advertising of that spot.

* Approved Kansas Association of School Boards recommended board policies that the board reviewed last month.

* Hired Loretta George and Melinda Tinsley as teacher's aids in the district's at-risk program.

* Approved the resignation of Darvin Willard as assistant UJSHS football coach. Smith will take over those duties this year.

* Approved the $1.2 million July treasurer's report.

* Heard administrative reports from Smith West Bourbon Elementary School Principal Marianna Daugherty.

* Designated board member Lynne Oharah as the board's governmental relations contact. Camac had previously served in that position.

The board conducted other business and later adjourned.