Health and safety are always critical issues when it comes to high school athletics, and the Perry School District recently ensured their student-athletes were protected on both accounts.

First, the School Board approved the transfer of $9,687.15 from the General Fund to the Student Activities Fund, which will cover all athletic safety equipment purchased in the last year. Director of Finance Kent Bultman says the majority of the money was for football helmets, but it also covers items such as catcher’s gear for baseball, shin guards for soccer, and knee pads for volleyball. The money for the equipment used to come directly from the General Fund, but after a change in legislation several years ago, it now must be paid through the Activities Fund, though schools could still transfer the money over as Perry has done.

In addition to the protective equipment, the Board also approved the renewal of an agreement with 21st Century Rehab for sports medicine services. Per the contract, Clint Lutterman and his staff will continue to provide sideline athletic training for the coming school year, which includes one or two nights per week during practice time, and coverage of all regular season home and away varsity football games, and home games for all other sports. The District has been pleased with the services provided by 21st Century Rehab in the past, and were happy to continue the agreement for at least another year.