AIA Developments and Updates

Representatives from AIA

Brian Bolitho, Denise Doser and Michele Staples shared the latest information on AIA changes and fielded a wide range of question and concerns about the topics presented.

 

Changes announced include:

• ·         Modification to divisions based on sports
• ·         Centralized venues for AIA events to control costs and increase revenue
• ·         AIA concession management to re-direct revenues
• ·         Re-allotting the number of teams in playoffs on a percentage basis instead of a fixed number basis

Bolitho reviewed the proposed classification formula that is currently under design by consultants. In addition to enrollment, free- and reduced-meal percentages and MaxPreps four-year rankings history will be considered. The intent is to stabilize the divisions and reduce movement. The appeals process for promotion and relegation will remain.

 

A multi-year timeline was presented for placement and scheduling was reviewed.

 

Staples explained the requirements and rules for having an athletic trainer or qualified medical professional, or QMP, on site for regular season and AIA post-season events. Several attendees expressed concerns regarding the needed liability insurance and difficulty of identifying a QMP in rural areas.

 

After reviewing the AIA 2013 financial loses and review, Doser handed out a 2014-15 Service Charge Grid that outlined additional fees district will incur.

 

The final topic was the announcement that AIA has recognized robotics as an activity and will establish a state robotics championship.

Attendees left the session with lots of new information that generated a number of unanswered questions.

Helen Hollands
Mesa Public Schools