Gateway parent asks board to allow competitive cheer; board agrees to add item to next agenda

Erica, a parent of a Gateway High School freshman, asked the Gateway School District board on Oct. 2 to allow the high school cheer squad to participate in competitive cheer events beyond sideline activities. "Competitive cheer gives them the opportunity to put those skills to test and grow into athletes while representing Gateway on a broader stage," Erica said, adding the group is fundraising and not requesting district funding at this time.

The board responded during the meeting that it would move the request forward. A board member told Erica, "Just put it on the agenda for next week," and a staff member said they would be in touch about next steps the following day or Wednesday.

The parent described competitive cheer as a year-round, athletic activity that builds leadership and school spirit; she said team members train and condition throughout the year and want a chance to compete with neighboring schools. Erica said the team will fundraise and pursue community resources, and emphasized they were not asking the district for financial assistance at this time.

Board members offered procedural direction rather than a decision on policy or program approval. The board’s instruction to place the item on the next meeting agenda means the request will receive formal consideration at a future public meeting; no vote or formal adoption occurred during the Oct. 2 session.

Next steps noted at the meeting include staff follow-up to connect with the presenters and a formal agenda item to appear at the board’s next meeting. The parent left the meeting after the exchange, and the presenters were thanked by board members.

The record of the exchange appears in the public-meeting transcript at the times when Erica presented the request and when board members directed staff to add the item to the upcoming agenda.