By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
The Hays USD 489 school board approved start-up funds for an esports program at Hays High School on Monday.
The board approved $3,500 to purchase equipment, software, licensing and related program expenses.
The program will launch this fall.
Thomas Decker, Hays High teacher, said 13 students have already expressed interest in the activity, which will be Kansas High School Activities Association-sponsored.
Those students include freshmen through seniors.
Participating students must meet KHSAA guidelines, including maintaining a C average or better.
Students will compete remotely on Nintendo Switch consoles, except for the state championship, which is in person.
Decker said about half of the students who have expressed interest are not involved in other school-sponsored activities.
Hays would be the fourth school in the WAC conference to add esports.
The students will compete in Mario Kart, Rocket League soccer and Smash Bros., a brawling game.
The program also received a $2,000 grant. The district will pay the coach a $2,000 annual stipend.
The season will run from fall through January.
All practices will be after school.
Decker said he hopes the program can give students who might not otherwise be involved in school activities a sense of community.
He said esports encourages leadership and decision-making skills.
Resident Becky Hill spoke against the proposal during the public comment portion of the meeting. She said she was concerned the additional screen time would be detrimental to the students.
The board approved the proposal 6-0. Board member Derek Yarmer was absent.