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Coach and residents urge board to raise middle‑school cheer roster cap from 10 to 15
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Summary
Two public commenters — a middle‑school cheer coach and a resident coach — asked the Wood County School Board to increase the middle‑school cheer roster cap from 10 to 15, citing safety for stunts, inclusivity and program pipeline benefits; the board did not take immediate action at the meeting.
Two public commenters on March 12 urged the school board to increase the county’s middle‑school cheer roster cap from 10 to 15.
Ashley Thomas, cheer coach at Scott Memorial Middle School, told the board the cap—established years ago—no longer fits modern cheerleading. She said larger rosters are safer for stunts and pyramids, provide more development opportunities, and help sustain a pipeline into high school programs. "Middle school is a pivotal time in students' lives. For many, cheer is a place that they finally find a sense of belonging," Thomas said.
Amy King, who identified herself as a Wood County resident and a coach with experience across the county, told the board cheer is the only middle‑school sport capped at 10 and that other sports have higher caps or no caps at all. King said increasing the cap would not be a financial burden because cheer squads typically fundraise for uniforms and equipment, and noted local support from the rec center and an email of support from Josh Sherritt.
Neither speaker requested immediate policy action at the meeting; the public comment period concluded without a recorded motion on the roster cap.
The board accepted public comment and did not announce any change to the roster policy during the March 12 meeting.
