Marathon CSD Looks to Save Sports Previously Set to be Cut

The Board of Education meeting last week, on June 3, was the final meeting of the year. In the meeting, staffing cuts were finalized, marking a heartbreaking moment and ongoing uncertainty about the district’s future. 

The lone highlight of the meeting was the discussion around sports. Mr. Forkey and Mr. Stearns led a conversation in which they determined how to reinstate the four Varsity sports that were previously proposed for elimination by the Superintendent in the 2026-27 school year. Multiple meetings have been held with a community committee working to revive the cut sports. Through the meetings, stakeholders identified ways to bring Cross Country, Indoor Track, Girls Golf, and Boys Golf back for next year without increasing the athletics budget. 

Mr. Stearns highlighted that the Board will continue to expect the Superintendent to hold coaches to their budgets. Coaches are willing to find ways to reduce spending wherever possible. Mr. Forkey clarified that the Superintendent and coaches cannot go over budget without board approval in any situation. 

The lone critic of this proposal was Mr. Baker. Baker argued that whatever the Superintendent proposed when voters approved the budget, it is what should be approved. This is at odds with reality. Voters approved the tax levy, not a line-by-line breakdown of every program in the budget. Voters approved the budget based on the expectation that if anything could be done to return student programs, it would be. 

The proposed return passed with a 6-1 vote, with Mr. Baker the only no vote. 

The lengthy discussion during the meeting is linked to this article.