T-L Photo/ROBERT A. DEFRANK Union Local School Board Members Shaun Roe, left, and Dan Lucas, also members of the athletic committee, explain why the district is increasing ticket costs for all athletic events by $1.

MORRISTOWN — Fans of student athletics will notice an increase in ticket costs after the Union Local Board of Education voted Thursday to increase ticket prices of all athletic events by $1.

Board Member Shaun Roe, chairman of the athletic committee, said the change was prompted by shortfalls in the athletic department due to decreasing numbers at games. He added that ticket prices had not been changed for some time. He said the athletic director recommended the increase.

Board Member Dan Lucas, another member of the committee, said expenses for the coming football season could place the athletic department $31,000 in the red. This includes costs of officials through the athletic seasons.

“Of course, once the season gets started that revenue comes in and does make a little bit of difference,” Lucas said, adding that much of the money may be recouped, but they wish to be further in the black. “The athletic department for a long time has basically gone year to year … not coming out too much ahead. That’s one of the big reasons why we wanted to raise the ticket prices. And hopefully, in all honesty, winning seasons bring more people.”

Football tickets will increase from $6 to $7, and tickets for reserve junior high games will increase from $4 to $5.

“We think we’re going to be heading into a little more prosperous situation,” he said, adding that the district faces other expenses such as safety. He pointed out one expense, a cost of $7,000 for new football helmets.

“You can’t put kids on the field and not protect them to the very best,” Lucas said. “We’d like to see those ticket prices be successful and we’d like to see the coffers rise a little bit in the athletic department.”

As one cost-saving measure, Lucas also suggested the district make use of a van rather than a full school bus when transporting smaller teams, such as golf and bowling.

Board Member Terry Puperi agreed that obtaining a van would be a cost-saving measure. In addition, he pointed out some students drive themselves to events, which creates a liability issue.

Meanwhile, Superintendent Ben Porter said preparations are nearly complete for the first day of school Wednesday.

“We’ll be ready to go. Our staff will be here Monday,” he said. “It should be a good school year.”

He said the process of replacing the center rows of wooden seats for the middle school auditorium may be completed by the first day of school or shortly after.

“Our maintenance staff’s been very busy. They’ve had a lot going on just to get things ready,” Porter said.

He added that the students are invited to the Back to School Fair Friday at the district campus. The fair will feature free haircuts, a clothes closet, and school supplies thanks to the generosity of the community.

“There are all kinds of companies that offer school supplies in their giveaways,” Lucas said.

Porter added about 200 incoming students normally show up at the fair, chiefly younger children but some older students. Food and games such as the corn bag toss will be provided.

A full board attended the meeting, including Koel Davia and Ed Stenger.