Port Townsend: Board hands-off decision on sports cuts

PORT TOWNSEND — After viewing a presentation on options and listening to pleas from soccer parents, coaches and players, the Port Townsend School Board on Monday handed off cuts in high school athletic programs to administrators.

“We will leave it to the administration to make this decision,” said board member John Eissenger, who chaired Monday night’s Port Townsend School District board meeting in the absence of Loren Monroe.

“We’ll see how the administration goes forward.”

About 100 people, most wearing the high school’s color of red, crowded into the meeting to protest one option to remedy part of a $750,000 shortfall in the district operating budget for 2004-2004 school year — cutting both the boys and girls soccer teams.

“Ever since I started playing soccer, my goal was to play on the high school team,” said Alice Peterson, 16.

“I’m asking that all sports have an equal cut.”

That would jeopardize the integrity of programs whose coaches’ salaries are already low, according to an analysis presented by Principal Carrie Ehrhardt and Russ Hickman, the high school athletic director.

10 percent cut requested

In facing the $750,000 deficit, the district has asked for a 10 percent cut in athletics and activities expenses — about $12,000 for athletics and $5,500 for activities.

Eliminating the salaries of four soccer coaches would save almost $12,000, Hickman said.

Other options would be to cut a combination of sports — boys’ soccer, fastpitch and swimming, for example — to reach the $12,000 cut, he said.

After the presentation, Ehrhardt ask the board to give the community a chance to raise the funds before the Nisqually League sets its schedules for next year, a deadline of June 9.

“If we can raise $12,000 in two weeks, we can do it — otherwise, we’re going to have to make a choice,” Ehrhardt said.

“Bring on the money.”

More in News

Port Angeles High School junior Tucker Swain, left, tries out a sample of roasted broccoli with ranch dressing dipping sauce prepared by Stacey Larsen, the district’s WSU Clallam Extension Farm to School consultant at the school’s cafeteria on Friday. Including locally grown produce like the Chi’s Farm broccoli into meals, increasing the amount of whole grains in foods and reducing salt and added sugar are part of the school district’s efforts to create healthier options and meet updated USDA nutrition standards. A new app provides students and parents a way to view menus and the nutritional content, calories and allergens in meal options. (Paula Hunt/Peninsula Daily News)
New flavors, new recipes for Port Angeles School District meal program

Goal is to promote healthy options for nutrition standards

Piping may help reduce flooding

Project aims to protect landowners, beavers

Jefferson County reduces its risk of fire danger

Collaboration moves level from high to moderate

One person was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle after a fifth-wheel trailer was fully engulfed in flames on Friday. (Chris Turner/Clallam County Fire District 3)
One person flown to hospital after fire destroys trailer

A person was airlifted to a Seattle hospital after a… Continue reading

Motorcycle rider airlifted to Seattle hospital after collision

A 63-year-old man was airlifted to a Seattle hospital… Continue reading

The city of Port Angeles’ city hall east parking lot low-impact development project is complete. (City of Port Angeles)
Low-impact development parking lot complete

Project to help filter stormwater contaminants

Peninsula College President Suzy Ames, left, receives the 2024 Governor’s Outstanding Leadership Award from Gov. Jay Inslee at a Sept. 10 luncheon at the Governor’s Mansion in Olympia. Ames was honored for her leadership and achievements in boosting the college’s declining enrollment and strengthening its ties to the community. (Jim Kopriva/Office of the Governor)
Peninsula College president receives outstanding leadership award

Peninsula College President Suzy Ames was one of 23… Continue reading

Applications open for Jefferson County Board of Health

The Board of Jefferson County Commissioners is accepting applications… Continue reading

Paulo Leite of Port Angeles sets up a display of automotive and Star Wars toys at Saturday’s Olympic Peninsula Toy and Collectibles Show at Guy Cole Convention Center in Sequim. The exhibition featured a wide variety of toys and collectible items for display, sale or trade. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Toy show

Paulo Leite of Port Angeles sets up a display of automotive and… Continue reading

Tracey Appleton of Port Townsend cuts flowers at Wilderbee Farm on Saturday while on the 22nd annual Jefferson County Farm Tour. (Steve Mullensky/for Peninsula Daily News)
Farm tour

Tracey Appleton of Port Townsend cuts flowers at Wilderbee Farm on Saturday… Continue reading

Clallam revisits cultural tax talk

May consider ballot resolution in future

Seven public services provide special assessment fees in Jefferson County

Fire protection, clean water and noxious weeds among them