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Board hears plan to add fifth graders to middle‑school athletics, approves supporting steps
Summary
Teacher leaders presented a plan to include fifth graders in most middle‑school athletics to expand participation; board members discussed logistics, transportation and costs and expressed support while noting concerns about competitive cuts in basketball and volleyball.
The Manitowoc School District board heard a multi‑part presentation on expanding middle‑school athletics to include fifth graders, a change aimed at increasing participation and building pipeline ties to high‑school programs.
Teacher‑leaders from Wilson and Washington middle schools (introduced by the superintendent) outlined goals to provide year‑round athletic opportunities for fifth through eighth graders, expand intramural options and add fifth‑ and sixth‑grade football teams with separate squads for each grade. Presenters said most sports will be combined fifth‑through‑eighth grade where appropriate (for example, cross‑country and soccer) while volleyball and basketball for fifth and sixth graders will be run as intramural programs rather than competitive interschool teams to avoid early cuts.
"Everyone has a chance to participate in all of our sports," the presenter said, explaining only competitive dance teams will require tryouts and that most offerings will remain fee‑free and supported by district transportation plans where needed. The presenters emphasized uniform updates and plans to survey families after spring break to gauge interest and staffing needs.
Board members asked detailed questions about how practices, games and facilities would be scheduled and whether other nearby districts field fifth‑ and sixth‑grade teams. The chair and other members expressed concern about ensuring students do not get discouraged by early cuts and welcomed the focus on broad participation and youth development.
Administrators noted that uniform and equipment costs are the primary incremental expense and said grant funds and existing buses should mitigate new transportation costs; a final budgetary plan will be developed through the athletic director and presented to the board as part of the district’s 0‑based budgeting process.
The board did not take a separate binding vote on the athletics plan at the meeting but endorsed the direction and asked staff to work out scheduling, budgets and family communications ahead of next season.
