Cannon Falls board approves girls basketball co-op with Randolph for grades 9–12 after lengthy debate

The governing board of Cannon Falls Area Schools on the motion approved a two-year cooperative agreement with Randolph Public Schools to combine girls basketball programs for grades 9–12. The board’s roll-call vote was unanimous.

Board members spent more than an hour discussing alternatives after administration reported 14 total sign-ups for the season, including nine students in eighth grade and five in grades 9–12. Board members and staff raised concerns about transportation burdens on families, the risk that younger players could be moved up to higher levels before they are ready, and the effect that a coop would have on the district’s ability to field teams at middle-school levels in future seasons.

Administration told the board the cooperative follows Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) rules for two-year agreements and that Randolph was the only nearby district willing to form a partnership. Board members and staff reviewed options such as maintaining an in-district eighth-grade program, forming JV-only or C-/B-squad structures, or pursuing a full 7–12 coop. The board noted state rules limit movement between levels (one up, one down rules) and discussed the potential for dissolution if both districts later agree.

After discussion, a motion was made and seconded to approve the cooperative for grades 9–12 only, leaving eighth grade in-district for the coming season. The board then took a roll-call vote with the clerk announcing unanimous support and the motion carried.

The board and administration emphasized that the arrangement aims to preserve opportunities for students to play while the district monitors participation trends. The cooperative will be implemented under the board’s standard cost-sharing formula used in prior agreements; specifics of transportation arrangements and cost splits will be finalized consistent with existing cooperative agreements and communicated to families.