MONROE — At its meeting April 27, the School District of Monroe Board of Education changed the admission policy for sporting events, unanimously approving students of all ages to enter home athletic events free of charge. 

It was a move that Athletic Director Jeff Newcomer said he has been hoping would happen for years and is something he fully supports.

“I just thought it fit Monroe,” Newcomer said. “I’m so glad the board felt the same way that I did.”

He said earlier this school year is when he proposed the idea to high school principal Chris Medenwaldt and other school officials who were all on board. Newcomer’s initial idea was for high schoolers — but after some number crunching — it seemed doable for all students. 

District Administrator Rick Waski said at the meeting the financial impact of the change isn’t entirely clear because the breakdown of whether attendees are students isn’t recorded. However, he and Ron Olson said the difference is estimated around $4,000 to $6,000 per year. 

“If it allows a few more students to attend a game … for me, it’s worth it,” Waski said. 

Olson said students aren’t attending some of the sporting events because of the cost and families with younger children see a financial impact on attending games together. 

The Badger Conference changed admission prices last year, increasing entrance fees from $4 to $5 per person. That fee, along with a little something from the concession stand, can add up over time, Newcomer said. He had noticed that some students would wait until half time of the event to attend — when entering became free. 

He didn’t want the financial burden for students to support each other.

“It’s a safe place for kids that’s supervised,” Newcomer said. “It’s allowing them to support their classmates. Our student body has been really good with behavior and sportsmanship.”

Waski said two districts he’s worked at previously took the same stance on student tickets and attendance at events increased greatly. 

School board member Nikki Matley said she was aware of families who had to make choices on whether or not to attend an event because of the financial burden. 

“I think the pros are going to far outweigh the loss in revenue,” Matley said.

Board memberDan Bartholf suggested allowing community members to purchase passes to get into games, however, Waski said he would need to check with the conference bylaws to see if that was allowed before the board could decide. Newcomer said he’s looking into that option, but sees it as a possibility. 

“Everybody should have the same opportunity to come out,” Newcomer said.