Budget considered in athletics co-op decision
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CHARLO – School board trustees authorized transportation and funding arrangements for the Mission-Charlo wrestling co-op Nov. 18, but asked that a formal written agreement be put in place between the district and other co-op members for upcoming softball and wrestling seasons in the next two years.
Administrators and staff worried that a lack of a long-term agreement could lead to budgeting problems in the future.
“When it comes to money, I have a feeling you are going to be sitting here in March and April, looking at a spreadsheet on the SmartBoard saying ‘Where are we going to make budget cuts?’” District Clerk Sara Vaughan said. “When you commit to this for wrestling and softball, and the next two years, we’re looking at having to cut staff, and everyone is loving the additional staff.”
But Trustee Shane Reum said not offering the sports would also be detrimental to the school.
“For those softball players and wrestlers, if you don’t do it, those student will leave,” Reum said. “My daughter would be one of the first people to go.”
At issue is how much of the cost of the co-op Charlo should bear. Superintendent Thom Peck said the co-op was formed in 1998.
“At that time Mission asked that (Charlo) pay the MHSA dues, which we still do, and provide transportation to get Charlo kids to practices and contests,” Peck said.
The school eliminated funding for transportation in 2012 because of budget cuts. At that time, Peck asked what the conditions of the co-op were.
“There was nothing in writing,” Peck said.
Because of that, the conditions of the co-op have varied from year to year.
“Originally, how that co-op worked was that Charlo would pay the coaching stipend every other year,” Peck said. “That was always kind of a bone of contention with (the coach) because he actually got paid for Mission because their coaching stipends are higher. It’s a difference of about $600.”
This year it was asked that Charlo advertise and pay for an assistant coach, Peck said. He was able to negotiate so that Charlo will not pay for the coach, but will contribute $3,130 for transportation and lodging.
The board authorized the expenditure, but instructed Peck to try to get some sort of long-term agreement in writing. Charlo has committed to the co-op for the next two years.
“I don’t want to lose the co-op,” Peck said. “I think it’s been really good for our kids, but I don’t like the idea that nothing has been in writing. I don’t have a problem paying a proportionate amount of money.”
Peck pointed out that Jacen Peterson, one of the best, if not the best, wrestler in Montana’s history, graduated from the co-op’s wrestling program last year.
