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Tigard-Tualatin students, coaches and parents highlight Unified sports and World Down Syndrome Day at board meeting
Summary
Students, coaches and parents from Tigard and Tualatin high schools presented the board with a year of Unified Sports accomplishments and asked the district to continue stable funding and staff support; the board also heard a student presentation on World Down Syndrome Day.
Board members spent the start of their March 11 meeting recognizing student-run Unified sports programs that combine athletes with and without intellectual disabilities and a student presentation marking World Down Syndrome Day.
The evening’s Unified Sports presentation included athletes, peer tutors, coaches and volunteers from both Tigard and Tualatin high schools. Students described Unified as a program that “makes me feel happy and included,” builds confidence, and creates durable friendships. The board watched slides and heard brief remarks from multiple student athletes and parents.
Board member Director Kitch introduced coaches and athletes and invited them to share the program’s mission and activities. Students listed sports (basketball, soccer, track and robotics), monthly club events (movie nights, craft nights, Friendsgiving and a holiday party) and peer tutoring as key program features. Tori Alderman, athletic equity coordinator at Tigard High School, told the board that Unified is being integrated into the two high schools’ athletic programs and asked for continued district support for facilities, equipment, uniforms, transportation and coaching stipends. She said coaches have been volunteering and “it is time to start compensating our coaches for this unified program.”
Parents and family members testified to the program’s impact. Jamie Flicker, a parent, said the program “provides an essential component of genuine inclusion” and urged the district to ensure the program’s sustainability beyond volunteer advocacy. Rachel Funderheide, another parent, described Unified as “a tribe of individuals that come together and empower each other” and praised the inclusive environment.
The board repeatedly thanked the students and coaches, with several members calling the recognition one of the meeting’s highlights. Director Zerschmid and others praised student speakers for their courage and leadership.
Separately, the board heard from Alia McNatt, a student in the district transition program, about World Down Syndrome Day (March 21). McNatt encouraged students and staff to wear colorful “crazy socks” to show acceptance and said seeing others wear socks makes her “feel important and accepted.” Board members responded with applause and some removed their shoes to show their own socks.
No formal action was taken on either recognition item. The presentations emphasized the board’s interest in sustaining Unified programs and on fundraising or staffing mechanisms the district might use to provide ongoing support.
Ending: Board members asked staff to continue discussions about program support and compensation for coaches as the district’s budget planning continues this spring.
