Board members on June 24 discussed whether Decatur high schools should enter cooperative athletic agreements that would combine programs for some sports, with attention focused on spring sports such as baseball, softball and golf.

District staff and a coach identified as Mike reviewed the key constraint: under Illinois High School Association (IHSA) procedures, a co‑op is a two‑year commitment once the cooperative membership is filed. Mike told the board that if a district signs a cooperative now, any school that later fields its own team would still remain part of the cooperative for two years.

“We do have a time frame as to whether or not this when this takes place,” Mike said, noting IHSA timelines and that the district must declare cooperative status by a date around October–November (board discussion referenced a late‑fall deadline and said the plug could be pulled around October or November). Mike and another coach, Coach Lipa, recommended gathering numbers early in the school year and using off‑season workouts to gauge student commitment.

Board members said they supported ensuring opportunities for students to play but urged caution because an early decision could prevent a school from fielding an independent team if local interest later materialized. Example figures cited during the discussion: McArthur began a season with about 23 players and finished with 16–17, while Eisenhower expected 11–12 and ended with roughly six. Board members asked for more information about the composition and success of prior co‑ops, noting girls’ soccer had been successful as a cooperative.

No formal vote was taken; staff said they will return with more information after coaches collect fall participation numbers and after the district confirms dates and parameters with IHSA.