Board hears proposal to launch adaptive sports league for students with disabilities

District staff presented a proposal to start an adaptive sports league for students with disabilities beginning in the 2026–27 school year.

Janine, a district special-programs staffer, described how participating districts run three short seasons (fall indoor soccer, winter bowling, spring indoor baseball), generally with a three‑week practice period followed by roughly two weeks of weekly competitions. She said adaptive rulebooks and sport modifications are already established and that districts currently taking part use mixed approaches to coaching and volunteers. "I want to start it tomorrow," Janine said, describing staff and family enthusiasm.

Staff told trustees they have identified roughly eight families who expressed interest and believe a viable roster could be fielded (other districts have operated teams with as few as six participants). Estimated start-up costs listed in the board report — for things such as coaching contracts, uniforms, referee fees and facility rentals (bowling alley) — were about $6,000 in the district’s preliminary estimate. Cordell in athletics has reviewed the plan and is supportive of integrating the program into the athletic department.

Board members asked about minimum team size, volunteer roles (peer aides, Best Buddies or community volunteers), use of district facilities and whether the 18–21 transition program would be eligible; presenters said the league includes students through age 21 and that facilities and transportation logistics can be managed locally.

Trustees generally praised the proposal as a low-cost, high-impact inclusion initiative and discussed folding the program into the athletic budget pending final enrollment and staffing details. The board did not take a formal action at this meeting; staff were directed to continue planning and return with an implementation timeline and any contract needs.