USD 398 board considers junior high sports options years ago
An option for participation in junior high sports, never used by Peabody-Burns students in the past, was discussed May 15 at the regular meeting of USD 398 school board.
Due to an anticipated lack of participation in the girls' junior high basketball program, the board is looking at allowing next year's sixth grade girls to take part in the program.
"League rules allow for sixth grade participation in junior high sports other than football," said Peabody-Burns superintendent Tom Alstrom. "Generally participation at that level is allowed if the numbers warrant it.
"A district cannot just incorporate sixth-graders into its sports programs as a way of giving the kids three years of playing experience," he said. "It has to be a situation that is out of the ordinary."
In order to have enough players to field a varsity and junior varsity team, the incoming sixth grade class will probably need to participate.
"We think a similar situation might arise two years from now, when this year's incoming fourth grade girls are in sixth grade," he added. "We are looking at options and weighing the pros and cons. It is just at the discussion stage."
Annette Weems, sixth grade teacher at Peabody-Burns Elementary School, was present at the meeting to address the board with some concerns she has about the students' participation.
Alstrom noted that coaches for the coming year will be contacted for input. No decision was reached.
In other business the board:
— approved a request from Sabrina Cashner for early graduation.
— accepted the resignations of grade school counselor Sally Barnaby, vocal music teacher Allison Many, and Daneece Foth, high school bookkeeper.
— approved the Family and Consumer Science annual improvement plan as presented by FACS instructor Cathy Silvers.
— heard from superintendent Alstrom a review of a handout on Tier 1, Tier 2, State Scholar, and NCAA core course requirements for high school students. Board discussed valedictorian and salutatorian course requirements in relationship to the two-tier course list.
— agreed to discuss supplemental contracts and concession stand manager position during executive session.
— approved continuing a two-year cooperative agreement for the baseball and softball program.
— approved the award selection committee's recommendations for graduation awards.
— accepted a bid from Allied Bus Sales of a 2007 International 53-passenger bus at the cost of $58,265.
— heard a recommendation from Alstrom and high school administrator Ray Savage that three summer custodial employees be hired. The board also heard district repair and remodeling plans.
— approved overnight trips for FFA state envirothon and FFA state convention. The district will cover sponsor room expenses and $507 in student meal allowances.
— went into executive session for the purpose of discussing personnel. No action was taken on return to open meeting.
— The next school board meeting will be June 12 at the central office.
