The Clarksville-Montgomery County Board of Education voted to direct district staff to include funding for middle school wrestling in the 2026–27 school budget, putting the proposal before the board for a future budget vote.

The motion, made by board member Mr. Mayberry and seconded by Miss Bryant, passed with a 4-1-1 tally. The board’s action asks the district to place the request in the next budget cycle; the board will vote on the final budget in spring 2026.

Board members and members of the public spent more than an hour discussing cost, equity and safety before the vote. Parent and advocate Sherita Weisinger told the board, “I stand before you today not only as a parent but as an advocate for the young people of Clarksville Montgomery County. I'm here to strongly urge this board to adopt policies that will bring middle school wrestling entire district.”

Several speakers described wrestling as an access point for students who cannot afford club fees. Fifth-grade teacher and high-school wrestling coach Hunter, who identified himself as a classroom teacher at East Montgomery Elementary and a high-school coach, said the proposal is about students who “don't currently have the opportunity, the ones that need it the most, but whose families cannot afford the club fees, equipment and travel expenses associated with the club team.” He added that sanctioned middle school sports can change students’ connection to school.

District staff and board discussion included costs and implementation questions. During debate one board member said the district had presented a one-time startup cost for middle school wrestling of about $160,260 (figure presented in the meeting). District finance staff confirmed the district’s general fund budget is roughly $456,000,000. Board members emphasized that placing an item in the proposed budget does not obligate county funding; final budget approval rests with the board and county commission during the regular budget process.

Board members who opposed or cautioned about the motion raised concerns about long-term funding, county commission capacity and student safety. Board member Mr. Garland asked whether district partners had been consulted and how many Montgomery County public-school students had requested the sport; he said he had not heard constituent demand in his area. Board member Miss Berry said she was worried about safety and cited a local child’s severe injury when urging caution.

The motion that passed instructs district staff to include middle school wrestling in the 2026–27 budget submission for the board’s later vote. The board did not appropriate dollars on the spot; the matter will return during routine budget deliberations.

Board and staff will provide detailed line items and any required county commission requests during budget hearings next spring.