The Great Falls Public Schools board is making strides toward introducing high school baseball. During their recent meeting, district officials provided updates on the progress of this initiative. Key points include securing practice fields, addressing Title 9 equity concerns, and planning fundraising efforts to cover startup and operational costs. The committee appointed by GFPS has been working diligently since October and aims to submit a comprehensive report by June 2025 for the board's final decision.

Preparing Fields and Ensuring Equity

The district is actively working on securing suitable fields for practices and games. Negotiations with local little leagues and Electric City Baseball are underway to ensure access to appropriate facilities. These fields will meet the size requirements for high school games, thereby addressing Title 9 equity issues concerning facility standards. The Mutli Sports complex, similar to where high school softball is played, serves as a model for equitable access.

Discussions have also included the potential use of Centene Stadium, though it is unlikely to be used regularly for high school games except possibly for special events. Boyd emphasized that while some other AA districts planning to introduce baseball this spring haven't finalized field agreements, GFPS is ahead in its preparations. The district is committed to ensuring that all facilities meet Title 9 requirements, particularly regarding gender participation. Currently, the difference in sports participation between genders is within acceptable limits, and adding baseball will maintain this balance.

Fundraising and Financial Planning

The financial aspects of launching the baseball program are being meticulously planned. Estimated startup costs for both schools total $101,000, covering uniforms, equipment, and field maintenance. Annual costs for the first three years are projected at $47,525 each year, totaling $142,575. These funds will support coaching, association dues, umpire fees, and field rentals. The Great Falls Public Schools Foundation has offered to assist with fundraising efforts, providing a third-party pathway for collecting funds.

A detailed fundraising timeline has been established, requiring specific milestones to be met by key dates to ensure readiness for the 2026 season. For instance, startup costs must be secured by July 2023, and subsequent funding deadlines are set throughout the next two years. Boyd acknowledged the ambitious nature of this timeline but stressed its necessity to avoid financial constraints. Transportation challenges, including driver recruitment, are also being addressed to ensure smooth operations. The district remains focused on long-term sustainability, aiming to establish a robust framework for ongoing support of the baseball program.