Board signs expression of interest as girls wrestling gains traction statewide

The board acknowledged and signed a Minnesota State High School League form expressing interest in emerging girls wrestling; the signature signaled the district's interest, not the creation of an immediate stand-alone girls team.

Mark told the board that girls wrestling is growing statewide and that the MSHSL's emerging-sport designation gathers intent from districts. He said the committee tracking the sport expects enough schools to reach the threshold for a girls-only program by 2027. "By 2027, we'll have enough schools that are interested in girls wrestling," Mark said, noting the district receives regular updates on statewide participation.

Board members asked whether the district would return sooner than 2027 to begin planning if local interest grows. Mark said the MSHSL's current rules allow flexibility through 2027 and that the district would come back to the board to discuss budget and structure if a stand-alone program is warranted. The form signed at the meeting required only acknowledgement and did not require a formal vote; several board members signed the document in the meeting.