Jacobs students and coaches urge district to add boys volleyball program

Jacobs High School students and staff asked the Community Unit School District 300 Board of Education on May 13 to authorize a boys volleyball program at the school, saying there is substantial student demand and modest start-up costs.

The request was made during the meeting’s public participation period by student Zachary Anderson and supported by Jacobs teachers and coaches who spoke afterward. Anderson said 37 male students responded to an interest form this week and pledged to try out if a team were offered. “We have talented, passionate athletes who want to represent their school and play,” Anderson said.

The student who introduced the idea framed it as both an equity and opportunity issue. “Boys at Jacobs High School are denied access to competitive volleyball while other schools have access,” Anderson said, citing Title IX and national participation trends. He asked the board to consider starting a program that would use existing girls volleyball equipment and add transportation, coaching and facility scheduling.

Two Jacobs staff members who identified themselves as coaches and teachers urged the board to move past perceived bureaucratic barriers. Kurt Dedick, a chemistry teacher…