Beloit board approves softball cooperative with Lincoln Academy amid Fund 80 review

The School District of Beloit voted unanimously April 21 to approve a cooperative agreement with Lincoln Academy to add girls softball for the 2027 spring season.

Director Gratz presented the cooperative as a cost‑saving option that could expand opportunities (for example, adding a junior varsity team) while acknowledging possible enrollment impacts if students transfer. "Equal to or less than what we're currently paying is my assumption," Gratz said when asked about costs and noted cooperative agreements typically run for two‑year cycles.

The board also discussed whether Fund 80 (the community service fund) could be used to support parts of athletics that might otherwise be cut. Interim Executive Director of Business Services Stephanie Elwood advised the board that DPI guidance requires staffing charged to Fund 80 to be hourly payroll and that community service fund uses must serve the broader taxpayer area (not only district students), meaning some proposals may not be eligible and would need auditor and DPI review.

After discussion, the board approved the Lincoln Academy cooperative by voice vote. Administration was directed to follow up with more detailed cost analyses and, when applicable, auditor/DPI consultation on whether specific expenses could be charged to Fund 80.