As we are now well into the 2010-11 school year, I would like to give an update on athletics in Brevard County.

First of al, our county continues to provide one of the best athletic programs to be found anywhere in the state of Florida. Our athletes excel and we truly have some of the very best coaches you will find. Our athletic directors do an exceptional job and their efforts enable our athletes to compete at the highest level. Year in and year out this area produces many championship efforts beyond the conference. Last year the Cape Coast Conference celebrated four state championships (Cocoa football, Melbourne Boys Soccer, Melbourne Girls Soccer, and Merritt Island Girls Soccer) and a number of state runners-up as well. Many of our athletes have graduated and shined at colleges all over the country and many have also even gone into the professional ranks. But more importantly, our athletic program fosters team work, good sportsmanship, critical thinking skills, and provides for the overall education of our young people.

Needless to say, the economic situation in Florida and around the country is very concerning and athletics is one area that is targeted for cuts in the near future. At the same time, we are very fortunate to have a superintendent and school board who have so far been able to save what we currently have. For a time heading into the new school year, it did not look like we would be having 9th grade athletics as a cost savings. Once it was discovered that maybe it was not going to cost as much to fund this program, as originally thought, the decision was reversed and it was returned to our schools and young athletes. In addition, Brevard County may be the only district in the entire nation that still provides money for athletics as part of our equalization program. Many districts that surround us as well as throughout the country actually charge their students a fee to participate in each sport and activities. This is not happening here in Brevard and for that we are certainly grateful. It is very obvious that our school board recognizes that to educate the whole student athletics and extracurricular activities are vital.

Now with all of that being said, it is very important that everyone understands that this period of being able to offer all that we do may be short lived. The prospects for the future are still not lined with additional resources and funding. In fact, the challenge may be overwhelming and knowing that academics must be our number one priority, funding athletics may take a direct hit. I feel confident that our superintendent and school board will continue to fight for the student athletes of this district and only as a last resort will decisions be made that will negatively impact our programs. As educators and parents we will need to do whatever is within our means to make sure the lights stay on at our athletic events and our student athletes have the opportunity to represent their schools in interscholastic athletics.