Board calls timeout on hoops program: Dixon wants to find ways to lower cost for middle school

DIXON – Everyone on the school board agrees: A basketball program for fifth- and sixth-graders is a great concept.

What they don’t agree on is whether now is the time to start such a program.

The school district has been kicking around the idea of developing a program at Reagan Middle School since summertime. Realistic start-up cost estimates now are in, and some board members don’t think they’re justifiable.

The $16,000 required to pay eight coaches would come out of the district’s education fund – the same fund that covers academic expenses and teachers’ salaries.

In a year when the district has been asked to “tighten its belt” and “toe the line” with academic spending, board member Woody Lenox said he didn’t think the time was right to create a new program.

Members Tom LeMoine and Carolyn Brechon agreed, while Tracy Greenwalt and Tom Balser said they thought the program would bring more dollars to the district.

“The more programs we have, the more students we’re going to get to come to our schools,” Balser said. “We want to be the premier choice for the children of this town.”

Rather than risk killing the idea at Wednesday’s meeting with a split board, the district voted to reconsider the program next month.

Superintendent Mike Juenger will look at ways to cut the cost of the program between now and then. He will ask the booster club whether it’s willing to pitch in, and will consider using volunteer coaches instead of some of the proposed certified staff coaches.