Kent DeZeeuw departing athletic director for South O’Brien presented the South O’Brien School District at the April regular board meeting with the idea to expand junior high school athletic practices to include Wednesdays. Wednesdays had been and are currently off limits, reserved as a “church night.” The district has also scheduled each Wednesday as an early out to accommodate Professional Development (PD) for certified staff.
One board member, Richard Radtke expressed opposition to the idea. It was decided to hear more at the May meeting.
DeZeeuw presented a little more of a plan for the May meeting. Time between Wednesday dismissal, 2:00pm, and practice start time, 3:45pm would be an available study hall for the students in an effort to not increase transportation costs.
Classified staff would be overseeing the students during that time. That cost and the additional coaching time was estimated at $11,000 per year. Additional coaches’ costs were figured at $400 per coach at 9 coaching positions.
Discussion among the board indicated most supported the idea with Radtke still not convinced and expressed concern for the $11,000 of additional expense that primarily targets athletic students. Vice president of the board John Beck noted that the $11,000 is from a budget of $8 million. Board member discussion included potential interference with church activities, comments of support for and against from parents to board members, and what to do with students between dismissal and practice start time. Shuttles will run as normal, after practice. Other students would have to have their own transportation or wait until practice is over.
The board decided to survey the affected families. Since May 30 a JMC survey was sent to 126 families with students entering grades 4-8. The survey asks 4 questions:
Do you support implementing JH athletic practices on Wednesdays beginning gin the 22-23 school ear? Practice would run 3:45 – 5:00pm just like every other day.
• Yes •No
Pros and Cons of JH athletic practice on Wednesdays*
Would your student(s) need a place to stay in school from the dismissal of school until practice starts? (2pm Dismiss on Wednesday with practice starting at 3:45)*
If implemented, would your students(s) need school transportation after practice on Wednesdays? (Shuttle would run at 5pm like every other day.)*
•Yes •No
Parents with students entering grades 4-8 are strongly encouraged to go to their JMC account and complete the survey as soon as possible. The next board meeting is Monday June 27.
According to Superintendent Wade Riley 45 replies or 35% have been submitted as ofMonday morning, June 20. He said of the responses so far, support was running at about 60% to 40% not in favor. Junior High student participation in athletics is guessed at 55%. When asked, Riley also noted that most of the replies are coming from families of students entering grade 7 or 8 for the 2022-23 school year. The surveys went out to all families with students entering grades 4-8 this year. The number of surveys actually sent was not provided by press time. Riley reinforced that administration is looking for activities to occupy kids after school and before practice.