Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Sports Coop topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Kewanee board unanimously declines Wethersfield soccer-only co-op, cites timing and uncertainties
Summary
The Kewanee Community Unit School District No. 229 Board voted 7-0 on July 28 to decline Wethersfield’s proposal for a soccer-only co-op, citing a tight IHSA application timeline and unresolved questions about participation and program impact; the district said it remains open to future discussions.
The Kewanee Community Unit School District No. 229 Board of Education voted 7-0 on July 28 to decline a proposal from neighboring Wethersfield to form a soccer-only co-op, citing timing concerns and remaining uncertainties about participation and program effects.
Superintendent Baney told the board that Wethersfield had responded to Kewanee’s counterproposal and was proposing a co-op limited to soccer. Baney said two response drafts were included in the board packet—one accepting the soccer-only co-op and one declining it—and reviewed the soccer program’s costs, though specific dollar amounts were not specified in the meeting record. T. Atwell informed the board that applications for a fall sports co-op to the Illinois High School Association must be submitted by August 1, creating a narrow window for any agreement this year.
Board members raised practical concerns during discussion. Member Christiansen relayed a parent’s worry about students playing multiple sports. President Jeff Johnson said the co-op could cause Kewanee to move up a class without a guarantee of increased participation, which could affect opportunities for Kewanee students. Member DeMay said the district’s priority is student opportunity, adding, “it is not about the wins but the opportunity.” Member Dev said she supported the idea in principle but felt the timeframe and lack of information made it infeasible for this school year.
After debate, Member Steffen moved to adopt Draft #2, the response that declines Wethersfield’s soccer-only co-op; Member DeMay seconded. A roll call vote recorded DeMay, Dev, Jon DeBord, Christiansen, Salisbury, Steffen and President Jeff Johnson voting aye; there were no nay votes and the motion carried. Draft #2, as described by Superintendent Baney during the meeting, declines the current proposal but indicates Kewanee remains open to co-op discussions in the future.
The board immediately moved to adjourn; the special meeting ended at 8:03 p.m.
