In a recent government meeting, discussions centered around the financial implications of changing the school mascot, currently under scrutiny due to potential legal challenges. The estimated cost to change the mascot has been reported at approximately $347,000, which includes expenses for athletic equipment, uniforms, signage, and gym floors.

Officials noted that a previous estimate for these costs was around $600,000, but after a closer review, the current figure stands at about $708,000. The conversation highlighted a significant concern regarding the potential financial burden of a lawsuit aimed at retaining the mascot, with estimates suggesting a possible increase of $25,000 to $495,000 depending on the outcome.

One official expressed a strong personal connection to the mascot, stating, \"I am a T-Bird. I will always be a T-Bird,\" and emphasized the importance of honoring the Native American community through the mascot's representation. However, they also raised concerns about the uncertainty of winning the legal case, suggesting that spending an additional $25,000 could be wasteful if the outcome is unfavorable.

Ultimately, the official concluded that they would oppose moving forward with the lawsuit, citing the risk of incurring further costs without a guaranteed victory. The discussions reflect a broader community sentiment about the mascot's significance while grappling with the financial realities of potential changes.