The issue of reinstating the boys swim program, which was tabled at the Sept. 26 meeting, was revisited by the Unified School District 418 Board of Education at Monday's board meeting.

Chris Ruder, McPherson High School athletic director, reviewed for the board the information he had collected, including the number of athletes interested in participating this winter, the financial support offered by the MHS Booster Club and other expenses to be absorbed in the athletic budget and the MHS building budget.

The estimated cost totals $8,014: $2,697 for a coach's salary, $1,671 for transportation and $3,646 for pool rental at the YMCA. According to Ruder, the board is asked to approve the program's reinstatement and to assume the coach's salary.

Two patrons spoke to encourage the board's approval. Darcie Morrow told board members she wanted to endorse a recent letter to the editor published in The Sentinel. She agreed with the information in the letter that indicated sufficient numbers of athletes were interested, the sport allows a different group of students to participate in sports and swimming is a lifelong sport that fits well with the school's emphasis on physical fitness. Melanie Stucky, who signed the published letter along with Ken Roane, told the board she would appreciate a vote to reinstate the program.

Immediately, board member Bob Tolle told the rest of the board that he did not want this issue to get hung up on the money issue.

Telling board members, ”It's a question of doing what's right for our students, and this is the right thing to do,“ he moved to reinstate the boys swim program for the winter season. Jeff Johnson gave the second.

Board member Pat Nippert asked Dr. John Black, associate superintendent, if the contingency fund sits at a comfortable level. Black told members that while the administration would like to see the number closer to $300,000, the fund's balance is just under $100,000. However, he said the amount requested for reinstatement for this program was a smaller amount compared to other obligations that might be assessed against the contingency fund.

Black also said that when the state allowed districts to establish the contingency fund, it was originally restricted to emergency use. However, as money for education began to be restricted, the state loosened its restrictions on contingency funds. Now, each BOE has discretionary use of money in a district's contingency fund.

Board members Terry Krier and George Sheets said that in visiting with parents of sixth- and seventh-grade students, they were assured that a solid interest in the program exists.

Sheets said he felt very strongly about the issue. He considers swimming a very important sport, even one that would help individuals to save lives.

Board member Lori Havens said she was concerned that this was not brought up when the board was working on the budget.

Nippert agreed, saying the problem with the issue was timing; she indicated she was not comfortable bringing in a new program after the budget was set.

Board president Donna Viola called for a voice vote on the issue.

The program was reinstated by a vote of 4-3; no votes were cast by Havens, Nippert and Viola.

After the vote, Viola told the audience that she was not opposed to the swimming program; however, she wished the board could have budgeted for it in the spring.

McPherson Unified School District 418
514 N. Main
McPherson, KS 67460
620-241-9400
It is the policy of McPherson USD 418 not to discriminate on the basis of sex, disability, race,
religion, color, age, or national origin in its educational programs and/or activities, nor in its employment practices.

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