Romulus esports doubles lab, sends five students to state; program to become elective

Romulus Community Schools highlighted its first full year of varsity esports growth at the May 13 board meeting, where the coach and technology director described program expansion, competitive results and plans to add electives.

The district’s esports program began as a small after‑school activity and by spring had expanded its lab from roughly 12 to 24 PCs, the director of technology said. Coach James Whiteford told the board that five students attended state‑level competition this year and two finished fourth in their classification. Whiteford said much of the program’s value is in leadership, communication and teamwork skills that mirror conventional athletics while engaging students through video games.

The district’s technology director, Adam Denison, said the plan for next school year includes running esports as electives in both middle and high school. He described an initial middle‑school course titled Digital Life Skills (internet safety, online communication and digital citizenship) to be followed the next year by an esports foundations course teaching teamwork, the history of esports and competitive fundamentals. Denison said the district expects to compete in two leagues next year — expanding to four seasons (two seasons per semester) to increase exposure and development.

Superintendent Isaac Edmondson and board members congratulated the students who placed at state and asked that the district explore streaming competitions and community awareness. Denison said streaming and broadcasting the matches is in progress and that staff are working to increase visibility and competitive opportunities.

There was no formal board action tied to the presentation; trustees celebrated the student competitors and encouraged continued expansion and community support.