Grandparent raises fairness, transportation concerns for Neptune middle-school track team

Tarnisha Moore, a Neptune resident and grandparent of a district student, told the Board of Education she is upset that only certain middle-school athletes attend away track meets and that her granddaughter — who finished first in a recent home race, Moore said — was not permitted to travel to an away meet.

Moore asked how parents can get answers after she said she could not resolve the issue with the coach. She said only eighth-graders appear to be selected for away meets and described the effect on her granddaughter's self-esteem.

Board members and Superintendent Dr. Crater responded that selection for away meets is based on available transportation and on athletes' qualifying times, and that while all students participate in home meets, away meet rosters are limited by bus capacity. A board representative said a bus holds a maximum of 53 students and that the track roster can exceed 70 participants, leaving some students unable to travel to away competitions.

Dr. Crater said personnel matters could not be discussed in public comment but offered to follow up. He invited Moore to have her granddaughter email him to give permission for staff to discuss the case or to meet with the family after the meeting. The board asked Moore to provide contact information so administrators could work with the family to resolve concerns and to address any reports of bullying.

No formal board action was taken during the public-comment exchange; the item remained a request for staff follow-up and possible private discussion consistent with board policy on personnel confidentiality.