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Students ask school board to reinstate sibling access to Central High Nordic team
Summary
Several Central High students told the Saint Paul school board that a recent eligibility change barring some middle schoolers from joining the Central Nordic ski team was implemented with little notice and separates siblings; they asked for a transition window or appeal process so middle‑schoolers can continue training with high‑school teammates.
Students from Central High and nearby middle schools told the Board of Education that a recent enforcement change preventing middle schoolers who live outside Central’s attendance zone from skiing for Central has disrupted families and student participation.
"It's unfair to block kids from participating just weeks before the season starts," said Elsa Linfors, a Central junior and Nordic team captain, who said her younger sister was denied the right to ski with Central two weeks before the season because of an address two blocks outside the attendance zone. Louisa Lynn Forrest, who identified herself as a seventh grader at Murray Middle School, said the district website still displayed the previous policy when her family attempted to register and that there was no clear public notice or appeal process.
Multiple speakers described the benefits of integrating middle‑schoolers into high‑school teams, including continuity, leadership development and logistical support for families who rely on carpooling. Annalise Linfors said early team membership helped her belong at Central before starting high school, and Sula Crocsid and Karen Simnich described similar social and transportation hardships created by the timing of the eligibility enforcement.
Speakers asked the board to allow a transition period or an appeals procedure that would let middle‑school siblings continue training with their high‑school teammates until an explicit, posted policy takes effect. Louisa Forrest cited Minnesota State High School League rules and said the district’s continuation‑school guidance supports her case to ski for Central.
Board members did not take immediate action during public comment. Chair Henderson thanked speakers and said staff would follow up on the concerns raised.
The public comment reflected a concentrated stake: students asked for clearer notice, a temporary grandfathering or appeal process, and better coordination between athletic eligibility and posted district policies.
