SYRACUSE - Wawasee's athletic department ran more than $400,00 in and out of its account during the 2004-05 school year, according to a report from athletic director Mary Hurley.

The Wawasee School Board reviewed the athletic department's annual financial report Tuesday.

As of June 8, the athletic department has $83,500 in certificates of deposit and $12,370.30 available to begin operations in fall 2005.

Superintendent Dr. Mark Stock told the school board the biggest expense for the year was for equipment - more than $59,000. In 2004-05, according to the report, the athletic department was able to donate all football concessions to the band uniform fund and were able to purchase such items as high jump standards, starting blocks, bullhorns, two charter bus trips to Indianapolis for football, reconditioning football equipment, replacing 12 football helmets for $161 each and other expenses. If all athletic totals are combined, other large groups of expenses include coaching clinics, $4,700; phones and postage, $3,800; officials, $25,500; entry fees to participate, $3,500; and state tournament expenses not covered by the Indiana High School Athletic Association, $7,500.

Gate revenue was down in 2004-05 to $92,942.25, compared to $96,665 in 2003-04. Sports that saw increases in gate revenue included boys basketball season tickets, up from $598 to $977; boys soccer, up to $1,877 from $1,648; boys track, up from $1,114 to $1,231; football gate tickets, up from $20,636 to $22,022; gymnastics, up from $573 to $797; and volleyball, up from $2,736 to $3,317. All others were slightly down.

However, only two sports ended the school year with a fund balance in the black - boys basketball, $12,223.79, and girls basketball, $783.40. The sport ending with a balance furthest in the red was baseball, with a negative balance of $8,347.47.

Stock said Wawasee had a great year for athletics, but when there's a great year, expenses also go up. Two or three major sports fund the entire sports program, he said.

Football had $118,698.48 in receipts, but $120,554.89 in disbursements. Boys basketball had $57,340.70 in receipts, but $45,116.91 in disbursements, while girls basketball had $10,701.94 in receipts and $9,918.54 in disbursements.

In other business, the school board:

• Tabled to Aug. 2 Stock's request to hire a data technician on a one-year contract.

• Gave permission to Transportation Director Bob Lahrman to advertise for bids for the purchase of four 66-passenger buses and one special needs bus.

• Accepted a donation of $5,500 worth of books and Accelerated Reader quizzes from the Wawasee Middle School Parent Teacher Organization.

• Accepted $680 for the Jay Peffley Memorial Fund. Peffley was a lifelong area resident and attended many Wawasee athletic events, especially basketball. He died June 24. The donation is earmarked to purchase bleachers for the soccer facility at Wawasee High School. An engraved plate will be put on the bleachers to honor Peffley.

• Appointed Pat Hurd to the Milford Public Library Board of Trustees.

• Heard the annual career and technical education report from Phil Metcalf.

• Recognized Holly Kolberg, state and regional Daughters of the American Revolution essay contest winner. [[In-content Ad]]