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Batavia's school board voted on August 18 to formally authorize girls flag football as an interscholastic sport at Batavia High School, a week after practices had already begun.
Superintendent Tom Kim opened the discussion by apologizing to the board, acknowledging the normal approval process wasn't followed with practices beginning before approval. One board member cast the only "no" vote, citing the lack of a standard process.
Here's what to know:
Building the program: Officials began gauging interest back in February with a student survey (47 responses), followed by spring skills clinics and camps. The team then started official practices August 10 with about 30 athletes before the board had signed off on the program or its funding.
The price tag: The district estimates $40,000 to $50,000 in first-year costs, which covers coaching stipends, uniforms, equipment, transportation, and officials. Documents show that coaching stipends are expected to run about $15,000 a year for a head coach and two assistants. The district has applied for grant funding through the NFL and Chicago Bears to help offset costs and is still waiting to hear back.
The league and season: The team was up to 35 athletes as of the August 18 meeting, and Batavia has lined up 10 conference opponents for its inaugural season, with a goal of playing about 15 games. Every other school in the DuKane Conference already had a girls flag football team.
Moving forward, documents show that the program will be evaluated on its ability to maintain an appropriate competitive schedule, establish a sustainable coaching structure, and manage program costs.
Read more on page 105 of this agenda packet and watch the full meeting recording.
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