Athletic Proposal Slides
THE LEAH CHASE SCHOOL
Inaugural Launch Proposal
Building the Whole Child through Athletic Excellence
A strategic plan to establish a competitive, high-standard middle school sports program for the 2026–2027 academic year.
Prepared & Presented By:
Alton E. Heard Jr.
Athletic Director / Coordinator of School Discipline and Culture
2026–2027
Inaugural Season
CORE ALIGNMENT
Cultural Foundation
Athletics as a Tool for Positive Culture
The program will not just develop physical skills, but serve as a robust vehicle to reinforce school discipline, academic accountability, and character development.
Drive Engagement & Attendance
Directly link sports eligibility to consistent school attendance and positive daily behavior.
Support Positive School Climate
Reduce tier-1 behavioral incidents by leveraging athletic privileges and modeling sportsmanship.
The Leah Chase School • Athletic Launch Proposal Slide 2 of 6
STUDENT STANDARDS
Student-Athlete Accountability
The Athlete
Expectation
Open to all 5th, 6th, and 7th grade students. The program establishes robust academic and behavioral non-negotiables for participation.
Student Investment
$50.00 Participation Fee
Helps offset league dues, transportation, equipment, officials, and facility usage.
Academic Accountability
Must maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA with regular progress monitoring.
Discipline & Attendance
Demonstrate positive classroom behavior and consistent school-day attendance.
Representing with Honor
Represent The Leah Chase School with integrity, respect, and exemplary sportsmanship.
The Leah Chase School • Athletic Launch Proposal Slide 3 of 6
SPORTS OFFERINGS
Inaugural 2026-2027 Schedule
The Four-Sport Interscholastic Calendar
Affiliated with the prestigious New Orleans Metro Middle School League.
Fall Season
Cross Country
Timeline
August – October
Building cardiovascular endurance, mental toughness, and personal discipline.
Fall Season
Flag Football
Timeline
August – October
Developing rapid coordination, team tactical awareness, and rapid execution.
Winter Season
Basketball
Timeline
November – January
Instilling hyper-focus on team systems, indoor precision, and high-intensity work.
Spring Season
Track & Field
Timeline
February – April
Refining technical movement, speed, power, and individual goal tracking.
The Leah Chase School • Athletic Launch Proposal Slide 4 of 6
FINANCIAL ALLOCATION
Budget & Investment
Sustainable
Investment
The proposed financial package ensures a highly competitive and professional launch while remaining strictly fiscally responsible.
Total Funding Request
$46,682
Provides comprehensive stipends, team uniforms, gear, and league integration.
Itemized Budget Breakdown
2026-2027 Season
Coaching Stipends
Athletic Director, Head & Assistant Coaches, Summer Coaching Support
$39,500
Uniforms & Equipment
Team uniforms for all four sports, starter gear, and safety equipment
$5,182
League Membership & Misc
Annual New Orleans Metro Middle School League dues & participation fees
$2,000
"Proposed compensation is competitive with regional districts, enabling recruitment of top talent."
The Leah Chase School • Athletic Launch Proposal Slide 5 of 6
COLLABORATIVE PLAN
Next Steps & Vision
The Recommendation
Approval of this proposal will empower us to immediately begin:
- Hiring qualified, culture-aligned coaching staff.
- Securing durable uniforms and athletic gear.
- Finalizing league registration and scheduling.
"An investment in athletics is an investment in the whole child, driving behavioral reduction and school pride."
Co-Planning Agenda
Principal & AD Discussion
1. Academic Interventions
How will we structurally support student-athletes whose GPAs drop below the 2.0 threshold?
2. Culture Integration
What behavior milestones should we require before a student is allowed to dress out for game day?
3. Launch Communication
How can we leverage this program launch to build strong community excitement and parent buy-in?
The Leah Chase School • Athletic Launch Proposal Slide 6 of 6
Athletic Proposal Brief
The Leah Chase School
Office of Athletics, Discipline & Culture
Proposal Briefing
2026–2027 School Year
Inaugural Middle School Athletic Program
Fostering academic achievement, positive behavioral leadership, and school-wide pride.
Prepared By:
Alton E. Heard Jr., Athletic Director
Coordinator of School Discipline & Culture
Presented To:
Principal: ___________________________
Date: June 30, 2026
1. Purpose & School Culture Integration
This program establishes competitive, structured extracurricular opportunities for 5th, 6th, and 7th grade students in the New Orleans Metro Middle School League. Critically, we leverage athletic participation as a high-value positive behavior intervention. By reinforcing strict eligibility standards, we directly support a positive school climate, reduce tier-1 behavioral incidents, and cultivate school-wide leadership.
2. Student-Athlete Accountability Standards
To represent the Leah Chase School on the court or field, student-athletes must strictly uphold the following rules:
2.0 GPA
Academic Floor
Regular academic checks required.
Zero Suspensions
Behavior Standard
Daily conduct must remain exemplary.
$50.00 Fee
Participation Fee
Offsets league and transport costs.
3. Inaugural Season Sports Offerings
| Sport Offered | Season Timeline | Primary Character Focus |
|---|
| Cross Country | August – October | Individual grit, focus, and cardiovascular stamina. |
| Flag Football | August – October | Rapid teamwork, coordination, and execution. |
| Basketball | November – January | Precision systems, close collaboration, high energy. |
| Track & Field | February – April | Technical specialization, goal tracking, excellence. |
4. Budget Investment Allocation
| Category | Description | Cost |
|---|
| Coaching Stipends | Athletic Director, Head Coaches, Assistant Coaches, Summer Support | $39,500.00 |
| Uniforms & Equipment |
