The school board discussed adding soccer as an SISD athletic sport on Nov. 11 after parents of students signed a petition. The motion to add the sport failed by a vote of 4-3.
“While I cannot speak for each of the four board members who voted ‘no’ to the motion for soccer,” Superintendent Dr. Glen Teal said, “my understanding of their votes had more to do with the board’s goal of having a bigger conversation about current funding priorities in SISD before committing to something new like soccer.”
The board was presented with three scenarios.
Scenario one included adding two new soccer coaches, a new turf field, equipment costs and other costs such as travel at a cost of approximately $1.5 million.
Scenario two included all of the items listed above with the exception of a new field exchanged for the current grass field the district owns at a cost of approximately $196,500.
Scenario three included all of the items with the exception of using the current football field for soccer rather than an alternative field at a cost of approximately $190,500.
All three of these cost options include a recurring annual cost of about $134,000 associated with personnel and other recurring costs regarding equipment and travel.
“In addition, each of these three options have both pros and cons associated with them,” Teal said, “and the board considered all of this in its decision making in the board meeting.”
Teal said soccer could still be added in the future.
“The board and administration are aware of other needs regarding personnel, facilities, etc., in the district currently,” Teal said. “Once we can meet to discuss these needs and form a strategic plan to address these needs, we will be able to see clearly where soccer might fit into our priorities moving forward.”
Teal polled junior high through 11th grade students to gauge interest in the sport. Students like sophomore Arianna Perez already play in the Seminole Youth Soccer League.
“I enjoy soccer because it’s fun to watch and play,” Perez said. “I’ve been in the league for five years.”
Freshman Jason Patino has played soccer for four years.
“I started playing soccer in third grade in Odessa,” Patino said. “I continued to play until sixth grade. My brother wanted to play, and it rubbed off on me. I just did it, and I liked it.”
Just because soccer did not pass this year does not mean it won’t pass in the future.
“SISD greatly appreciates the feedback and support from those in our community who support soccer,” Teal said. “These soccer advocates along this journey have included some of our SISD parents, avid supporters of the Seminole Youth Soccer League, some of our current students and others in our community.”
