Bethel Local hears athletic director’s plan to join CBC conference; final approval pending

The Bethel Local School Board on Monday heard a detailed presentation from its athletic director, James, about a proposed move from the Tri‑River Conference (TRC) to the Central Buckeye Conference (CBC).

James told trustees the CBC would split into two divisions of seven schools, would add sports some current TRC members do not offer (bowling, swimming, tennis) and could provide more consistent junior‑varsity and junior‑high playing opportunities. "The CBC offers bowling as a conference recognized sport," James said. He also said the conference runs all‑star games, community fundraisers and other events that could provide more competitive and extracurricular opportunities.

James presented comparative travel figures, saying the TRC’s average travel distance is about 21 miles while some conference configurations he provided would average in the mid‑20s to high‑20s for crossover play. He also told the board the TRC assessment cost had been about $3,000 per school while the CBC’s assessment in the cited materials was $1,500 this year; proceeds from CBC events have at times reduced assessed costs for member schools.

James said the district had submitted formal letters of intent to both conferences and that conference bylaws require a two‑year notice before a district leaves the TRC. "When and if we approve here tonight, I’ll send the text messages," James said, describing the notification and scheduling process; he said the CBC and TRC executive committees will meet to consider the membership request and that the CBC is scheduled to vote on new members at an upcoming meeting.

Board members raised questions about competitive balance and facility capacity for larger visiting crowds. "My biggest concern is our facilities — whether we’ll be able to hold the number of people that come to our games," one trustee said. Trustees also discussed opportunities to enter some sports (bowling and swimming) into CBC competition earlier than the full transition.

The board’s public record and the meeting transcript do not show a recorded final vote approving conference membership at this meeting. The athletic director described next steps and external votes by the CBC and the TRC. If the board chooses to proceed, the district must satisfy notice and scheduling timelines in the conferences’ bylaws.

The board resumed other business after the presentation; the athletic director said he would inform conference commissioners once the local board records a formal action.