[Cynette]

There are a lot of factors to consider in making this decision and I hope that the whole team gets a chance to participate in this decision making process as Allison suggested.

One thing to look at is the overall long term goals of the team - looking out a few years - Is there a real need in your immediate area for a second team? Would you serve a different group of students? Would the students be served better by a second team? I think most teams would think that 25 students and $14-15000 sponsorship would be wonderful - for one team. But maybe the long term goals suggest being lean for another year as two teams and then building greater support.

Students are one thing - another issue is the number of mentors and teacher support available - If there are a large number of mentors to share between the teams that would make having two teams easier, but if it is only a few and recruiting the mentors would be a great challenge than the second team would be disadvantaged.

Good luck! That is a great dilemma to have!