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Superintendent: strengthen athletics staffing, improve coaches handbook and communication
Summary
Superintendent outlined plans to add a third OCER sports staffer, revise the athletic/coaches handbooks and improve game-day communications after parents raised scheduling and uniform concerns. He read handbook objectives emphasizing competition, sportsmanship and academic balance.
The board heard a detailed report from the superintendent on athletics, including administrative changes and next steps for coaching expectations and communication.
The superintendent said the district plans to add a third staff member dedicated to competitive youth sports and transitions into middle school and has been reviewing the athletic handbook to clarify goals and expectations. Reading from the handbook, he said the department's aim "is simple, to provide a positive athletic experience for our student athletes, coaches, and fans" and cited objectives such as developing competitive teams while preserving sportsmanship and scholastic attainment.
Trustees and staff discussed specific parental complaints (including a rumor that uniforms were damaged by rodents and an allegation that seventh-grade girls were given boys' hand-me-downs). The superintendent reported he had checked with principals, the athletic director and coaches, and that coaches confirmed the girls' uniforms in question were correct. Board members urged clearer web posting of schedules, use of ParentSquare for sports communication and a coaches manual to set expectations across grade levels.
The superintendent suggested convening an athletics council including administrators, some board members and parent volunteers to examine participation, budget questions and consistent communication practices; he said the district would deliver a draft coaches handbook before the upcoming retreat.
