The Cost of Changing Athletic Conferences

Let’s first start by simply reviewing the one-way mileage from Farwell to schools in the Jack Pine Conference and to those schools in the Mid State Conference: Jack Pine Conference Schools: Mid State Conference Schools: Beaverton- 21 miles Ashley- 60 miles Clare- 5 miles Blanchard Montabella- 35 miles Gladwin- 30 miles Breckenridge- 47 miles Harrison- 18 miles Carson City- Crystal- 55 miles Meridian- 30 miles Coleman- 18 miles Pinconning- 50 miles Merrill- 49 miles Shepherd- 29 miles Mt. Pleasant Scared Heart- 21 miles St. Charles- 67 miles Vestaburg- 33 miles

The table points out that the average travel distance to Jack Pine Conference Schools is 26 miles one way (52 miles roundtrip) whereas the average distance to schools in the Mid State Conference is 43 miles (86 miles round trip) or an increase of 34 miles round trip. But just don’t think of this in terms of miles, think in terms of time, and not travel time via car, but by schools’ buses on the road over the cost of a year for athletic trips. I believe that your bus superintendent will be able to give you a clear picture in terms of extra dollars it will cost for drivers, substitute drivers to cover a bus route, and the cost for substitute teachers for added time when coaches (particularly for spring sports) will need to leave early. In my home district, I have had many people complain not only about the added travel time for students, but the added costs to the district since switching conferences. What would the tax payers of Farwell have to say when the coast for athletics is driven up due to the switching of athletic conferences? But, remember the term “educational athletics”- what will be the added educational cost for taking students out of class time much earlier than is currently done. Time away from school is the biggest cost that cannot be factored in here especially when you consider middle school students and students involved with spring sports. Has anyone considered meeting with and talking to all of the stakeholders that a decision of this type will affect? There is a definite need to seek input from all of your coaches, teachers, parents, staff, students and community members who follow your teams regarding such a move. Also, think about the tradition of Farwell being a founding member of the Jack Pine Conference, a Conference that has seen very little change in membership until recent times. A conference that had six schools asking to be admitted without having to post our openings. A conference that recognizes, gives awards and holds banquets for academic excellence in the classroom, plus season ending awards for outstanding sportsmanship, and where artistic talents are celebrated and put on display. Do other conferences do the same for non-athletic recognition? Our schools have very strong bonds tied to each other that includes our neighboring communities, our friends and our extended community families. As a Board of Education, you must ask yourselves, what is the best long term plan for Farwell Schools? History shows that numerous area schools have asked for years to be accepted into the Jack Pine Conference. Regardless, history also shows the Jack Pine as being one of the most consistent conferences in , that has denied school requests year after year for admittance including Mid State Schools. This is in fact due to the consistency, efficiency and communication within our conference schools, whereas many other conference struggle in these areas and are repeatedly looking for realignment. These chartertics help build strong lasting and respectful relationships amongst coaches, athletes and administrators which is priceless for our districts. If the main reason for making a switch in conferences is due to declining enrollment, keep in mind that enrollment for all of our schools has been declining. Even if Farwell is near the bottom of enrollment, that doesn’t mean that they can’t be at the top of athletic achievement. One simply has to look at the tremendous success of Beaverton High School this fall, where their football team not only won the conference championship, but won a district title as well. This past weekend, Beaverton’s team played in the state’s semi-final tournament, and we all know the tradition of Beaverton . Yet I believe that there is only a difference of 30 students between Beaverton and Farwell. In fact, look right there at Farwell and the recent successful conference teams in , girls’ basketball, cross country, track, bowling and competitive cheer that you have field; and the past success of your teams in , , and volleyball. I even remember when your football team competed in the playoffs and stopped in Houghton Lake to use our field for a walk through. Farwell has a very proud tradition of fielding competitive teams. Don’t think by switching conferences that success on the football field will follow as another school felt it would but only ended up winning one game this season. What makes a good program is the consistency of the program and the coaches found within it. Remember to consider gender equity and if that would be impacted by making such a move. Before Farwell makes any decision on moving away from the Jack Pine Conference, I ask you to please review the points that I have stated here. Make sure to consider the impact on all of your stakeholders and not the possible help for one sport only. Win-loss records are good, and as coaches and schools we instill in our athletes to strive and do their very best and to learn and grow from positive playing experiences. That is the heart of educational athletics, and what we should be all about. Again I ask to please contact me as I would be happy to talk with or come down and meet with you in person. Farwell Schools holds a place in my heart that I take great pride in. Yours in educational athletics and dedication to all students: Jack Kramer