RE-1 Board Revisits 8-man vs. 6-man Football Proposal

By Chris Sorensen

KCP Staff

October 15, 2004

The Kiowa County School District RE-1 Board of Education met in regular session September 28 with board members Marlynn Eikenberg, John Weirich, Larry Watts, Ralph Berry, Keith Crow and Marty Miller present. Board member Bill Woelk was absent.

Athletic Director Larry Gifford reported that he had received a letter from the Rocky Ford Golf & Country Club praising the golf team’s behavior while at a tournament there.

Brenda Stoker, Elementary School Administrative Assistant, submitted a written report to the board in which she stated that Kindergarten students are learning math concepts, while first grade students have been writing books about the five senses. Second grade students entered drawings in the Kiowa County Fair. Third grade students are continuing the Adopted Grandparent visits to Weisbrod Nursing Home. Second and fourth grade students hosted grandparents in their classrooms to celebrate Grandparents’ Day.

Betsy Barnett, High School Administrative Assistant, reported that the accountability committee has been re-formed with new members, and that all positions have been filled except for including a businessperson from the community. Seven students went to a community development workshop which has sparked interest in the community. The E-Club has purchased 30 letter jackets and is working with coach Shawn Randel to revived the letter jacket tradition.

Superintendent Glenn Smith submitted a written report to the board. He also stated that the year is off to a smooth start. Enrollment projections are at 185 students for the 2004-05 school year.

The board approved hiring Debi Hadley as a special-needs pre-school aide for two half-days per week. Hadley has served as a substitute teacher for several years.

Unanimous approval was given to a lengthy slate of educational trips taken annually by students in the Vocational Agriculture program headed by Lance Jagers.

Smith gave the board an overview of difficulties faces schools. Issues include the fact that state and federal guidelines are frequently in opposition with each other, yet schools are expected to meet both sets of standards. In some cases it is possible to meet certain standards by eliminating classes, a move Smith refuses to make and will instead look for alternatives.

The board received a proposal switch to a 6-man football program from the current 8-man program. Gifford recommended that the board give its consent to pursue the proposal, at which point seek approval from the Arkansas Valley league. The proposal would then be submitted to the Colorado High School Activities Association which would contact the 6-man conference for approval. If granted, Gifford and Randel would return to the board to seek approval to make the change. The change is being sought in part because the district’s dramatically declining enrollment has led to the inability to gain the interest of players to field a competitive team at the 8-man level, despite the players’ best efforts. Enrollment is not expected improve in the foreseeable future. Gifford stated that participation has been encouraged, but potential players have continued to choose other options besides football. Weirich expressed concern that the number of players will continue to decline if the switch is made. Randel stated that he could "ride out" the current situation if it appeared that the number of expected players in the future looked like it would improve, but enrollment projections show even smaller

classes coming. He said the change will happen sooner or later, and he preferred to make the change now. Berry concurred that enrollment levels play a significant factor in the situation, while Watts cited a lack of spirit. He said that, at one time if a student was not participating in a sport, if was because the coach had "kicked off" a player. Now, they just don’t play. Miller countered that he was starting to see spirit coming back, though Randel pointed out a lack of community attendance at games. He said some students choose not to participate if the team is not doing well, and participation could increase if a competitive 6-man team were fielded, which he felt was likely. Gifford reminded the board that he was here when the district changed from 11-man to 8-man football. Prior to the change, only 15 students were participating. Once the change was made 22-25 chose to participate. Other school have noted a similar increase in interest after such a change. Weirich asked if some of the lack of interest was being prompted by families. Randel stated that the team was fortunate to have four big freshmen but will be losing two big seniors and does not have large players to replace them in next year’s incoming class. He expressed concern for smaller players facing larger opposition. Crow reminded the board that students could not be forced to play, but wondered if the district could switch back to an 8-man program in the future. Gifford stated that the district could apply for such a change, though Randel he could not foresee having the enrollment necessary in the future. As things stand now, the district is already playing up a level since the High School enrollment is four below the cutoff level. Smith stated that, when the proposal was first advanced last year, there was not enough knowledge of what the community would think. Now, there is enough information and proof since community support for the program is down. Crow stated that several parents had talked to him, and did not want freshman players hurt competing again juniors and seniors. He went on to state that he agreed with Gifford and Randel, unless the numbers improved. Gifford stated that college coaches are looking to recruit kids from six-man teams, and noted that Randel went to college on a scholarship from a six-man team. Weirich said that there is a perception with the public that, if the school switches to six-man football, if 15 go out for the sport, nine of them will sit on the bench. Berry and other board members said that is not what they were hearing. The board then gave it approval to continue pursuing the proposal.

Smith reported that the elementary building plumbing project had been completed and came in under the bid price. Progress is continuing on constructing a regulation track, which will need to be completed by April 24 in order to be usable fro track season.

The meeting adjourned at 8:14 p.m. The next regular meeting will be held October 25.