Elementary skateboarding lessons expand after $5,000 grant, district shows program video

The board viewed clips and heard an update about a $5,000 grant that funded an elementary skateboarding pilot, equipment and training. The presentation credited a First Push Syndicate grant that supplied helmets, pads and boards and local instruction through a Lancaster‑based program. A video shown to the board described the work and said phys‑ed teacher Chad Martin won the grant to bring skateboarding instruction to kindergarten through fifth grade.

Doctor Henry and other administrators praised the program’s impact on students. Doctor Henry said the district is excited by the coverage and the opportunity to develop a scalable program. During board discussion trustees described strong student reactions — one trustee recounted that students were upset when the final class ended — and highlighted that community partnerships helped deliver the lessons. Presenters suggested the model could be shared with other districts if successful.

The board approved related informational items and recognized the staff involved; there was no separate contract vote tied to the grant during the presentation segment. Administrators said they will continue to monitor the program and consider scalability options.