Board approves flag football and varsity volleyball; athletics presentation highlights state championships and facility priorities

The Lower Moreland Board of School Directors on June 17 approved two new sanctioned sports — girls' flag football (spring) and varsity girls' and boys' volleyball — and heard a spring athletics and activities presentation detailing team achievements, start‑up costs and facility priorities.

During a roughly 90‑minute athletics section, a district athletics presenter, Mister Dominic (staff member), summarized spring seasons and extracurricular accomplishments, noting notable team and individual results: boys tennis went 13–1 and won the PIAA 2A state championship; girls lacrosse made the district playoffs and had individuals named to all‑league lists; track and field produced multiple league medalists and Annie (full name in minutes) repeatedly broke the school mile record and qualified for states; and the esports Valorant team won the Pennsylvania scholastic title.

Dominic also proposed new programs and a five‑item facilities priorities list. He said the initial startup cost for a girls' flag football program would be about $2,500–$3,000 (not including coach stipends), and that the district's Under Armour contract would provide 25 free jerseys that reduce uniform costs. He described a plan to add girls' volleyball in the fall and boys' volleyball in the spring, with estimated uniform and equipment costs of roughly $10,000 per program after excluding a complete court system that would not be required following recent equipment repairs.

The board approved both additions by voice votes. Flag football passed with one recorded no; volleyball passed with one no vote as noted during roll call. The board asked about coaches and staffing; Dominic said the district has not yet posted for coaches because the programs depend on formal board approval and subsequent posting. He said existing club participation suggests enough student interest to field teams.

Dominic framed facility needs to support the new programs and existing teams: (1) gym adjustments for volleyball (floor markings, stanchion locations); (2) Mark Mason Stadium sound‑system improvements and interim restroom solutions; (3) consideration of a turf/synthetic field at Mark Mason Stadium to increase scheduling flexibility; (4) dugouts and covered benches for baseball and softball together with drainage remediation; and (5) improvements to the track-and‑field complex (new high‑jump pad, discus/shot‑put area repairs, and a new equipment shed).

Why it matters: New sports expand participation options for students and have modest near‑term costs but raise recurring personnel and facility obligations. Facility improvements named by staff would require capital funding if pursued beyond short‑term fixes.

What's next: With board approval, the district can post coach positions, finalize uniforms and start scheduling within the Suburban 1 athletic league. Facilities items were noted for future capital planning and budget allocation.