Tri Creek approves athletic director job description to oversee district athletics and new natatorium

The Tri Creek School Board approved a new district‑level Director of Athletic Programs job description designed to centralize oversight of all athletics programs, turf and natatorium operations and community facility usage.

Superintendent Richard explained the district has operated with piecemeal athletic administration at multiple buildings and that launching the new natatorium requires a full‑time district supervisor. “This person would serve as the chief administrator, provides leadership and district‑wide oversight of all Tri School athletic programs, athletic facilities, and the oversight of the complete operation of the new Lowell High School Natatorium,” Richard said.

Administration proposed an aggressive hiring schedule: two weeks of applications, round 1 and round 2 interviews between March 30 and April 6, and a final round and background checks as needed to return a recommendation to the board at its April 9 meeting. Trustees asked about background‑check thoroughness and expressed concern about the speed of the timeline; several members said a delay would be acceptable if it ensured careful vetting.

On compensation, staff offered a preliminary market range of roughly $90,000 to $105,000, subject to candidate skill set and experience, and said the district will perform a full comp study before finalizing an offer. The administration also discussed using revenue from facility usage to subsidize salary costs and proposed a commission/bonus component to make the position more affordable.

The board approved the job description by voice vote and added the posting and outreach plan to the personnel action schedule. Trustees emphasized the need for careful background checks and for the new director to coordinate with parks and recreation and feeder leagues on branding, scheduling and facility revenue.