Boys' tennis and boys and girls' golf cut from budget

The Little Falls School District set a deadline of Feb. 1 for private funding to continue any of the spring sports that were cut for this school year.

Boys' tennis and boys' and girls' golf were cut from the 2004-05 budget by the Little Falls School Board because of budget restraints. To run each program, the district needs $6,643.10 for boys' tennis, $6,158.80 for boys' golf and $6,440.71 for girls' golf.

Residents have until March 15 to raise funds to reinstate these spring sports for next year, as well as to reinstate boys' and girls' Nordic skiing. Funding of $9,544.25 was raised for Nordic skiing to be reinstated this year.

The district must receive a certified check for the full amount of the cost of the activity by 4:30 p.m. on the day of the deadline. Mike Olson, Little Falls athletic director, said small checks will not be accepted.

Olson said the cost includes the coach's salary, transportation, entry fee and supplies. Once the check is received, the school board will then consider reinstating the sport for one year.

Deadlines were established to allow the necessary lead time to schedule contests, hire officials, register and be placed in the competitive sections by the Minnesota State High School League.

JENNIFER STOCKINGER can be reached at jennifer.stockinger@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5851.