Partnership could save District 204 middle school soccer
A private partnership might not only save middle school soccer in Indian Prairie Unit District 204, but also allow the program to double in size.
The cash-strapped district initially discussed scrapping the soccer program while also reducing some high school sports programming to save $100,000 as part of an effort to reduce a projected $8.6 million deficit in next year's budget. District layoffs and other cost-cutting measures also are in the works.
But a proposed partnership with the Wheatland Athletic Association offers the district some new options.
Wheatland is offering to fill two teams of girls and two of boys for both seventh- and eighth-grade students if it takes over the program. District officials favored that idea because middle school soccer currently fields only one team of boys and girls for each grade.
“The fact that we're doubling the opportunities is huge,” Assistant Superintendent Linda Rakestraw said.
If board members agree to the partnership, Rakestraw said the program would be closely monitored. “It could be the beginning of a partnership for several other sports down the road,” she said.
Under the current soccer proposal, students would represent their schools by wearing school jerseys, playing on school fields and having their team picture in school yearbooks. The cost would be the same $125 paid to play other school sports.
The difference is that Wheatland would run the program by hiring and paying coaches and officials, who could be district staff members or outside hires. Pay would be $1,500 for coaches, less than current stipends which are based on seniority and average $3,200. The district would continue to offer transportation to away games.
While the board did not take action on the possible partnership at its Monday meeting, members were largely supportive.
“You guys are thinking out of the box,” board member Susan Rasmus said. “We already know there could be more cuts next year. You're finding a way this can be sustainable.”
Board President Curt Bradshaw was concerned about how seamless a transition might be and about the caliber of coaches Wheatland would be able to attract.
If the partnership moves forward, Wheatland also suggested offering a tournament on its lighted field to make the experience more special and asked to rent some school fields on Saturdays, which would boost income for the district.
Other options suggested included having Wheatland run one boys and one girls team per grade or reducing the team schedule and using volunteer coaches.