The South Sioux City High School and Middle School Activities Boards will be budgeted a combined $134,000 for the 2014-2015 academic year, up $74,000 from original figures. Originally budgeted at a combined $60,000, the increase is due to a number of renovations and additional purchases that will be made this academic year for all extra-curricular activities, from athletics and on. Had the board not approved the figure, the activities board estimated they would have been $40,000 under budget. The groups’ budget is projected to return to its normal figures beginning next academic year. The school board approved the increase unanimously. Further discussions on the district budget as well as long-term projects and plans for the district will be discussed in a Aug. 28 meeting. A major part of the jump to $134,000 will come on the high school track and field, with $35,000 going toward the inclusion of a pole vaulting pit. South Sioux City previously had pole vaulting but was phased out. Activities Director Dan Masters said with the school moving to Class A, it is the lone program in that class to not offer the event. He said bringing back pole vaulting has been in discussion over the last few years. more
