Parent advocate urges District 211 to expand boys volleyball to match student interest

During the public‑comment portion of Thursday’s Board of Education meeting, Lee Bennett, who identified himself as an advocate for boys volleyball, urged District 211 to expand its volleyball program so it better aligns with student interest and gym usage.

Bennett said volleyball “teaches dealing with failure more quickly” and argued it is a lower‑cost sport that can engage more boys and men. He compared district participation rates in the Mid‑Suburban League and suggested district scheduling and facility allocation favor basketball "with home‑court advantage.” He asked the board to expand volleyball teams, saying the sport "is a better vehicle for learning the many lessons of team sports for students over the age of 10."

Bennett noted broader shifts in college athletics — including revenue changes — and said that at the collegiate level some volleyball programs can be revenue‑generating. He urged the district to examine policies that he said favor basketball over volleyball and to consider program adjustments to support student interest in volleyball across genders.

The board listened; Bennett’s comments were recorded during the public‑comment section. No formal action or staff response was taken at the meeting; the board’s rules for public comment state members will not answer questions during that period and directed commenters who seek follow‑up from the superintendent to leave contact information with staff.