North Providence School Committee votes to recognize girls flag football as varsity sport starting 2027; approves extra track coaching

The North Providence School Committee on Wednesday approved recognizing high school girls flag football as a Rhode Island Interscholastic League varsity sport beginning in 2027 and authorized hiring and budgeting steps to support the transition.

Superintendent Gojo asked the committee to endorse converting the three‑year club program into a recognized varsity sport, noting strong student interest and highlighting that the team recently performed at halftime of a Patriots game. "I would request approval to make the high school girls flag football club a recognized real sport starting in 2027," Gojo said.

The committee approved the request by voice vote after a motion and second.

Gojo also asked the committee to authorize additional coaching support for the high school outdoor track program in response to rising participation. He said the athletic director originally requested two assistant coaches but recommended beginning with one one‑year position and posting for up to two so the district can add staff quickly if enrollment increases. "So at this point, I'm asking for 1 assistant coach... I would request approval by the committee of up to, 2 assistant coaches for the high school outdoor track program with initial plans to begin with 1," Gojo said.

The committee voted to approve posting for the coach position(s) and budget accordingly.

The approvals are administrative and will allow district staff to post the positions and include the hires in next fiscal year budget planning.

Next steps: the district will post the coach and assistant coach positions and return to the committee if additional hires or budget adjustments are required.