Parents urge Seminole District to allow competitive sports in local schools

In a recent special called meeting of the Bedford County School Board, passionate discussions unfolded around the future of high school athletics amid ongoing concerns about COVID-19. As the clock ticked toward 6 PM, board members and community stakeholders gathered to address a pressing issue: the impact of hybrid learning models on student engagement and the potential rise in high school dropouts.

One board member, drawing from personal experience as a parent, voiced strong concerns about the lack of athletic opportunities for students during this challenging time. "Experts predict a big increase in high school dropouts on the horizon," she warned, highlighting how hybrid learning has left many students feeling disconnected from their schools. She emphasized the importance of extracurricular activities, particularly sports, in fostering a sense of belonging and motivation among students.

The discussion turned to the inequities faced by students who cannot afford to participate in travel sports or AAU leagues, which often serve as pathways to college recruitment. "We are robbing these kids of the chance to be seen by potential college recruiters," she lamented, urging the board to reconsider its stance on allowing high school sports to resume.

With the Virginia High School League and state authorities permitting competitive sports under safety guidelines, the board member questioned the hesitance to allow local teams to compete. "The state of Virginia has not shut down sports," she pointed out, advocating for parental choice in deciding whether their children should participate in athletics.

As the meeting progressed, the sentiment echoed throughout the room: the need for families to have options. While some parents may choose to keep their children at home due to health concerns, many others are eager for their kids to engage in sports and school activities. "It's not the business of this board to act in loco parentis," she stated firmly, reinforcing the idea that families should have the autonomy to make decisions that best suit their circumstances.

The meeting concluded with a call to action for the board to prioritize student engagement and well-being, recognizing that the return of sports could play a crucial role in revitalizing school spirit and community connection. As the board members left the room, the weight of their decisions loomed large, with the future of student athletics hanging in the balance.