The clubs are back in Goodrich.
Well, mostly.
‘I’m very glad to see it happen,? said board president Michael Tripp. ‘When we realized we were in a better financial position we wanted to see this occur.?
The Goodrich Area Schools Board of Educated voted in favor of reinstating several clubs previously cut due to the district’s financial hardships about two years ago.
The clubs ‘were put on hold because of financial reasons,? said superintendent Kimberly Hart. ‘We always intended for them to come back at some point when we could afford it.?
Returning clubs include: French, Spanish, model united nations and SADD (Students Against Drunk Driving) clubs at the high school; Art club and Quiz Bowl at the middle school and the school bank, school store, small business club, Spanish club, literature club and fifth grade art club at Oaktree Elementary School. Additionally, there will be three science clubs ? previously there was only one? in the high school.
However, some clubs which focus more on going somewhere as a group, will not be returning this year.
The main thing I, as an individual looked at (in determining which clubs should be reinstated) was whether or not they had an educational value to them,? said Tripp.
Hart agreed.
‘A few of (the clubs) haven’t been brought back yet because the board is trying to look at those that are mainly academic focused,? said Hart.
The board voted unanimously to reinstate the clubs, add the two additional science clubs and continue charging a one time, $25 participation fee for the activities to cover supplies.
Some of the clubs may become part of the offerings of community education BRIDGES program, with a similar intent but slightly different form, Hart explained.
‘The board is looking to fund things that are academically focused, and pick up activities that are enrichment based in variety of different ways,? said Hart.
Tripp said ski club will likely become a community education class as well.
Reinstatement of the clubs has been the topic of conversation at several recent board meetings, with several trustees pushing for the item to appear on the Jan.15 agenda so the matter could be quickly addressed.
The topic was again brought to the forefront at December’s board meeting, when the Pay to Play program was discontinued for students enrolling in their second or third sport of the year. The decision came in response to a windfall of savings to the district of about.$1.1 million more than anticipated in the district’s budget. Superintendent Kimberly Hart said the extra cash is due largely to an arbitration ruling in the district’s favor and careful budgeting.