Kimball board approves two-year softball co-op amid concerns about practice times

The Kimball Public Schools Board of Education approved a two-year cooperative agreement to field a softball team with a neighboring district after a lengthy discussion about practice times and student logistics.

Board members reviewed the agreement, which the administration described as a standard sports cooperative that would cover two school years and charge Kimball $500 per participating student at the end of the season. Administration said Kimball would not provide transportation to practices or games and would not pay coach salaries under the agreement.

“Outside of that, it’s the responsibilities of [the partner district] would be essentially nil as we would not be providing transportation to and from practice, nor would we provide travel to games, nor would we pay the coaches’ salaries or benefits,” Superintendent Trevor said during the presentation.

Several board members raised practical concerns about late practice times and whether the district should allow students to leave class early to attend practices. “I voted against it because I didn’t know what time practice started,” the chair said when explaining his dissent during the vote.

The motion to approve the cooperative was made and seconded during the meeting. The chair announced the motion carried; one board member stated on the record they opposed the measure because of the unresolved scheduling concerns. The board also discussed fairness and access, noting that multiple students — not just a single athlete — could require accommodations if practice times conflict with the regular school day.

Administration noted that practice-time logistics, bus schedules and any requested early-release plans would be matters for the coaches, parents and administration to resolve if the co-op proceeds. Board members asked that the district emphasize to the partner and coaches that the team should offer equitable opportunities and minimize classroom disruption.

The board’s recorded motion instructs administration to finalize the cooperative agreement for the 2024–25 and 2025–26 school years as presented and to verify the $500 per-player fee structure and operational responsibilities.