ALJ gymnasts told no team this fall; board offers independent competition or future co-op

The Arthur L. Johnson High School gymnastics program will not run as a school-sponsored team this fall, students told the Clark Public Schools Board of Education. At a public hearing, students and parents described months of organizing and asked the board for options so athletes can compete as a team.

"We've worked really hard to get this team going," said Mia DiBiase, who spoke with fellow student Victoria Solecki. They said they are willing to fundraise and combine with other schools if necessary. "Us gymnasts and parents have talked to other schools and coaches about meeting their requirements," DiBiase said.

Superintendent Mr. Grande told the board that the district had missed the NJSIAA (New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association) January deadline for registering a new program. "We missed the deadline being that we need to get the information into the state's governing body for athletics NJSIAA by January," he said, and noted athletic director Mr. Kalikas had contacted county athletic directors to gauge interest in a cooperative (co-op) for the 2025–26 school year.

As a short-term option, Mr. Grande said the district had discussed allowing ALJ gymnasts "to compete independently with Scotch Plains" while pursuing a co-op for the following year. He added that district staff would "pursue it very aggressively" and aim to provide an update in early fall once athletic directors return from summer schedules.

Parents and students asked whether a Clark coach could work with athletes competing as independents and whether funding could be provided so families would not be required to attend every meet. "I understand that it would be a Scotch Plains coach and then they're independent," one audience member said, adding the parent typically must attend every meet. Mr. Grande and athletic staff said they would investigate coaching and financial options in coordination with the athletic committee and report back.

Senior Ava Latic, who previously competed as an individual, described the difference between individual participation and being part of a team: "It just wasn't the same environment," she said, adding that team leotards and a coach made the experience meaningful.

The board did not adopt a formal policy change at the meeting but recorded the public comments and committed to follow up with the athletic committee and county ADs about possible co-op arrangements and coaching/funding options.