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Board agrees to continue studying girls softball; decision expected in November
Summary
After staff and community discussion of participation, facilities and scheduling, the board voted to continue studying whether to offer girls softball for the fall 2026 season and requested a data report before a November decision.
The School District No. Re-3 Fort Morgan Board of Education voted to continue considering offering girls softball for the fall 2026 season and directed staff to study feasibility, gather data and report back to the board before the November decision deadline.
Greg Edson, the districtathletic director, outlined options and a startup cost spreadsheet prepared with a vendor. He said the board must decide whether it wants to start a single team immediately or build a long-term sustainable program that includes youth development and partnerships with local clubs and the city. Edson and other speakers described equipment, facility modifications and coaching needs, and stressed that equitable access to comparable facilities and equipment for girls and boys is required under Title IX.
Board members and staff discussed timing: CHASA's (as stated in the meeting) application and league timelines generally call for decisions by February to be ready for the following season; board members said starting a program for August 2025 felt rushed given coach recruitment, scheduling and short lead time for practices and games. Staff and members suggested it would be prudent to develop the program over the 2025-26 year and aim for a competitive, sustainable launch in the 2026-27 cycle.
The board motion approved continuing study of the program and instructing staff to collect additional information, including participation surveys, facility availability (Riverside Park and Legion Field were discussed), MOU implications with the city, coach recruitment and costs; the motion specified the board will make a decision in November. A board member asked that staff provide a data report to the board prior to that date.
The motion to continue study was seconded and adopted by roll call; the board agreed to return with more detailed data and a recommendation prior to the November decision date.
