Jennings County High proposal for boys varsity volleyball fails on 3–3 vote

The Jennings County School Corporation board debated and ultimately rejected a proposal to make boys volleyball an IHSAA-recognized varsity sport for the coming school year after a 3–3 split vote.

Athletic director Hartwell presented the proposal, saying the sport has grown statewide and locally, and that 12 students have expressed interest in playing. Hartwell told the board the program would need coaching stipends — $5,700 for a head coach and $3,800 for an assistant — while other costs (officials, equipment and uniforms) could be covered by the athletic department through ticket sales, fundraising and concessions. “Kids want to do this,” Hartwell said, describing a club season last year with 15 starters (11 finished) and a 4–8 record.

Board members split along fiscal and opportunity lines. Several members raised concerns about district finances and timing in a year with tight budgets and limited employee raises; one member said asking for a new sport this year might send the wrong message to staff. Others argued that the modest stipend request and demonstrated student interest justified immediate approval to avoid losing students to other districts. The motion to adopt the varsity program was moved by Kirk and seconded by Pat; the board recorded three votes in favor and three opposed, which under the board’s procedures meant the motion failed and boys volleyball will remain a club sport for now.

Next steps discussed included holding a student call-out to confirm numbers, returning to the board with updated participation and budget information, and continuing to support the club program. The athletic director said he would follow up after a call-out to report whether sufficient participation exists to revisit varsity status.