Wellesley Public Schools: Fiscal Year 2026 Budget
Athletics
The Wellesley Public Schools has a vibrant Athletics program governed by the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA), with a wide array of sports offerings for students. The Wellesley Public Schools’ combined Middle School and High School Athletic program is a $1.9 million operation considering the cost of the sports as well as the administration of the entire program, with just over 1,850 team members across 44 sports [some team members participate in multiple sports during the year]. The budget in this section is presented by season, and within each season by boys, girls, and co-ed sports. It also includes the FY’23 through FY’25 budgets plus the FY’26 Budget. A copy of the aggregate-level budget by season is also included in this section for easy reference. There are costs within the budget that are dictated by contractual terms or by league rules and rates. For example, the rate for each coach is established through the collective bargaining agreement between the Wellesley School Committee and the Wellesley Educator’s Association. The officials for each sport are paid based on rates set by MIAA, and MIAA also sets the dues that the District pays to participate in the league. Transportation costs are based on the contract rate resulting from the District’s bid for all of its transportation. Helmet and gear reconditioning is a safety requirement. The total cost of each of these items is calculated based on the number of games, distances and wait times for the buses, and the number of students participating in the sport. The Athletic Director has a replacement plan for uniforms based on the age, condition and type of use/wear and tear on the clothing. This replacement cost is shown as its own line item in the budget for each sport, but the actual expenditures are included within the Supplies line. Supplies also includes rule books, score books, training room supplies, consumable items (corner flags, balls for all sports, pinnies, swim caps, timing devices, etc.) In FY’20, the Wellesley Sports Center (900 Worcester Street) opened. This public-private partnership allows for a long-term lease of Town of Wellesley owned land to a private company, Wellesley Sports Center, LLC, to build, maintain and operate a multi-purpose sports complex. The facility features two National Hockey League (NHL) regulation ice surfaces, indoor synthetic turf field, competition swimming pool, warm up pool, sports rehabilitation, strength training, fitness/dance studio, track, and an academic coaching center. The facility is the home to the Wellesley Raiders swim, dive, and hockey teams. As part of the public-private partnership agreement, the Wellesley Raider teams receive preferential practice and game times that we believe are beneficial to students and parents. Below is a summary of Facility Rental expenses incurred by the district to support our Athletic teams, particularly swimming, diving, and ice hockey. The cost increases, over time, are based on the Town’s agreement. FY’20 Expended FY’21 Expended FY’22 Expended FY’23 Expended FY’24 Expended FY’25 Budget FY’26 Budget Facility Rental $156,159 $100,876 $165,173 $172,484 $179,123 $209,800 $209,800
Highlights of this FY’26 Budget are: Rental of facilities, particularly the Wellesley Sports Center complex; and Anticipated transportation costs related to year three of a five-year contract award.
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