Whitehall Schools Releases Fall/Winter Sports Costs

At the March meeting of the Whitehall School Board on Tuesday, March 5th, Superintendent Hannah Nieskens detailed the fall/winter sports seasons for both middle and high schools expenditures, breaking down the costs to a per athlete total.

In November, the Board began discussing the predicted $30k activities deficit by the end of the 2023-2024 school year. The Board had asked for hard numbers from the fall and winter seasons, which Nieskens shared. The following shows the sport, total amount of income brought in after expenses, total number of athletes participating, and the total per athlete.

• WHS Volleyball: $5,408.80

20 athletes: $270.44 each

• WHS Football: $4,865.95

33 athletes: $147.45 each

• WHS XC: $2636.92

6 athletes: $439.49/each

• WMS Fall Sports: $4,895.95

50 athletes: $97.92 each

• WHS Basketball: $3772.31

41 athletes: $92.01 each

• WHS Wrestling:$10,628.95

15 athletes: $708.60 each

• WMS Winter Sports: $3703.87

30 athletes: $123.46 each

• WHS Cheer: $125.32

6 athletes: $20.89 each

The Board will be considering ways to lessen the deficit; the athletic activity pass is currently $90 per student annually. As the above shows, this is only a fraction of the expense of each sport (with the exeption of cheer). The Board has discussed charging activity fees per sports season, increasing the activitiy fee, and crowdfunding possibilities, among other ideas.

The Board will consider all options and take into account the public's opinion - if you are interested in suggesting an idea, making a donation, or voicing your opinion on the matter, please contact the school at 406-287-3862.