There are so many important ways that our schools connect with students beyond the classroom. After three years of declining participation in athletic programs mainly due to the pandemic, this Fall has seen a resurgence of high school and middle school student athletes in our programs. With 40% of all high school students and 30% of all middle school students playing on an athletic team this season, this is a good sign for the winter and spring seasons ahead.
In order to further support our athletic programs, we have moved the last group of regular coaching positions into the district's operating budget, something we have incrementally been doing for years and now have met this goal. In the past, Boosters would pick up the cost of most assistant coaches, a huge financial burden on these organizations to fundraise for these positions. Moving all coaching roles into the budget frees up the Boosters to help defray the costs of incidentals that are unique to each athletic program.
Additionally, the athletic and technology departments worked on installing live streaming for field and gym events to provide more access to the public on the MSAD #51 YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@
Improvements to the field house has been a goal of the district, with a dedicated weight room, three restrooms, and a stand-alone fully-applianced concession building all recent upgrades. Future plans include moving the maintenance equipment out of the field house to another location so that the building is dedicated to athletics. Hutchins Field has had recent upgrades in LED lighting, audio systems, and an ADA walkway to the bleachers installed. Capital reserve funds have been used over time to make these improvements that enhance the experience for our student athletes, coaches, and spectators.
I am very thankful to be part of a school community that goes the extra mile for our students in all of our curricular, co-curricular, and extra-curricular offerings. My very best to all families and staff this Thanksgiving week.