Athletic Director Outlines $1.2 Million Athletic Budget

At Thursday evening's Board of Education workshop meeting, athletic director Robert Lockhart, who was hired by the Summit district in July, broke down the costs that make up the proposed $1.2 million athletic budget for the 2014-2015 school year.

Lockhart began by addressing what drives the athletic budget:

-Coaches’ stipends: $741,928

-Transportation: $229,170

-Supplies: $102,560

-Officials fees: $94,335

-Dues (determined by state and county): $54,440

The budget total is up approximately $26,000, or 2.17 percent, over 2013-2014 as a result of the hiring of two assistant basketball coaches; each is paid over $8,000, Lockhart explained. Additionally, as coaches "move up the guide" as they gain more experience, their stipends increase. 

Dues and fees are also up about $5,000 as some sports now require more officials on the field than in the past. Lockhart reinterated that this is a cost regulated by the county and state and beyond Summit's control. An increase in home games added $637 to the budget as well. 

Not included in the athletic budget but an item on the district’s wish list is a new athletic trainer. Currently, the district employs one athletic trainer, Karen Manista ATC, who serves both the middle and high school. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Nathan Parker said an additional trainer, who could accompany the wrestling or hockey team, would be beneficial. Parker and Lockhart explained that as the student population has grown, so has participation in athletic programs. Both expect that percentage to continue to rise in the future.  

Lockhart described the athletic program's goals as follows:

·      Promote Learning

·      Life Skills, which include dealing with conflict and working as a team

·      Healthy Lifestyle, which encompasses discussion on rest, nutrition, and proper diet

·      Sportsmanship, winning or losing with class 

Lockhart said he feels “very fortunate” to come into his new position with a solid base in place, which he attributes to the hard work of those who preceeded him. The athletic director said he has been impressed with the “professional coaches who care about their kids" as well as the support of the community, particularly the Summit Boosters Association, which provides $50,000 in support annually to the district's programs. 

"Success breeds success," said Lockhart, who added that he looks forward to seeing athletes continues to move in the right direction.

Lockhart's budget presentation is one of several that will be made in the coming weeks, the Board explained. 

For other stories from Thursday's meeting, click on the headlines below.