School Board Passes 9th Grade Sports Proposal

After its initial statement that Council Rock School District would no longer have ninth grade sports, the school board unanimously passed a proposal Thursday night that allocates $10,000 to aid the efforts to organize a supplemental program.

Of this money, $5,000 would go to each high school, broken down further to $3,500 to one staff member to spearhead the efforts, specifically to "build, coordinate, and implement these programs." In addition, $1,500 would be for equipment, supplies and other expenses.

“I wish I could tell you how it’s going to happen,” Superintendent Mark Klein said, adding it would take conversations and collaboration throughout the year.

A committee of community members, several who spoke during public comment, began meeting in June to discuss several options where freshman athletes could continue to play sports. They listed possible partnerships with Council Rock United Soccer, Upper Makefield Soccer, Lower Makefield Football and Lenape Valley Field Hockey.

Klein said the board has been discussing possible routes of action since April, when cutting the $105,000 freshman sports program was initially discussed. Affected programs include football, field hockey, wrestling, soccer, basketball, baseball and softball.

“In some ways I would say the opportunities that we could have may end up being better for the ninth grade kids,” Klein said. “The coaches have all stepped up and said there are ways we can make sure our kids are engaged in a safe and productive manner.”

Many parents who attended the meeting weren’t quite as content with the board’s decision, citing reasons like how vital that year is for budding athletes, how players four years older are usually an unsuitable match in strength and size and the pressure many incoming freshmen are now feeling to choose between playing on a team where they may not get field time or not playing at all.

Parents also cautioned that students who opt not to play may find other more undesirable extracurriculars to partake in because of the pressures high school places on them, such as drinking and drugs.

Wrightstown resident Steven Nowmos called it "a pivotal time in our children's lives." He suggested the board keep close record of the number of ninth grade students participating over the next few years.

Bob Roda from Newtown said "you may be underestimating the sense of community they get by putting that jersey on."

The board said at this point it is not out of the question to accept money fundraised by the community or donated by a group of individuals, but it would be a board decision as to whether ot not they would accept it.

"We love our children," said Ken Hone of Wrightstown, who was one of the committee members attempting to find alternatives. "These children need opportunities to grow."

As far as concrete programs go, it will take time to put things in order.

"I don't minimize the fact that there may be some kids ... who won't try out," Klein said. "It will take us a year to look at some of these options and see if they become valuable."

Other notable proceedings from the meeting included the first reading of an updated computer use policy, which included a lengthy new section addressing the proper use of social media. It will be re-visited at the next meeting. Also Council Rock North athletic trainer Mike Horan gave a detailed presentation about the new ImPACT testing program, implemented district-wide this year to prevent and educate students and parents about concussions.

The next meeting will be on Sept. 1 at 7:30 p.m. at the Chancellor Center.