Council Rock Looking Into Alternatives to Freshman Sports

Council Rock School District cut its ninth grade sports program for 2011-2012 due to budgetary reasons, however, the administration said Thursday it is working on alternatives for freshman athletics.

Superintendent Mark Klein is recommending the district allocate $10,000 to set up athletic programs at Council Rock North and South high schools that would take the place of competitive ninth grade sports.

Klein said he envisions an intramural program that taps into the existing community youth sports leagues. He said such an effort is needed to keep all students engaged with school activities and ensure all grades have access to athletic opportunities.

During the budget process, the board elected to eliminate the ninth grade sports program, which costs approximately $115,000 per year to operate. In addition to financial concerns, Klein said in the future, freshman teams may have trouble finding opponents because many area districts are eliminating ninth grade sports.

School Board President Kyle McKessey said she has heard significant community feedback regarding the elimination of freshman sports. She said some residents have suggested that unanticipated state funding should be used to reinstate the program.

However, Klein said there were widespread cuts to the budget, including teaching staff and social workers. “There are a lot of other folks out there who would make the same argument,” he said. “I would not recommend to the board a full reinstatement of the ninth grade sports program, not against the other needs in the district."

Klein said he doesn’t have all the details on the proposed intramural program, but he plans to meet with staff and parents over the next few weeks to lay the groundwork.

“I honestly can’t tell you exactly how it would work because it’s uncharted territory,” Klein said, adding, “We want to continue to keep kids engaged in our high schools.”

The board is expected to hear more details about the proposal from Klein at the next board meeting, which is scheduled for Aug. 18. In general, however, board members were supportive of the measure.