Athletic improvements, student safety and the rising cost of school sports were among the topics discussed during the Tahquamenon Area Schools Board of Education meeting last Monday.
Athletic Director Dan Hardenbrook updated the board on several projects aimed at improving the district’s athletic facilities before the start of the fall sports season. He said older athletic trophies have been reorganized to make room for newer accomplishments, while conference championship trophies and historically significant awards have been preserved or donated to alumni. Hardenbrook also said updated record boards, refurbished banners, and new scoreboards are expected to be installed before the first home volleyball game of the school year.
The board also discussed ongoing work to address concerns with the gymnasium floor. Hardenbrook said another contractor was scheduled to inspect the floor and determine what repairs are needed after the current finish failed to hold up as expected. Board members noted that the district’s maintenance practices over the past several years may have contributed to the floor’s deterioration and emphasized the importance of proper care moving forward.
Hardenbrook also told the board that athletic ticket prices will likely increase this fall as schools across the Eastern Upper Peninsula Athletic Conference respond to rising officiating costs. He said conference athletic directors are working together to establish new rates after officials’ fees increased.
Football officials are expected to receive about $175 per official for a junior varsity/varsity doubleheader, up from $150, while baseball and softball officiating costs are also expected to rise. Hardenbrook said the district is currently losing between $50 and $100 per athletic event under the existing pricing structure and will present a formal ticket price proposal to the board in August.
During public comment, cross country coach Carley Challender encouraged the district to prepare for the next round of grant funding to replace and upgrade athletic first aid equipment. Challender said coaches were unable to complete a recent grant application because required district paperwork was unavailable before the deadline. She told the board the funding has been earmarked for the district and urged administrators to have the necessary policies and documentation in place before the next application period opens in September. District officials said they had already received the information and would begin working on the required paperwork.
