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Board reviews draft extracurricular and athletics handbook; proposal would standardize eligibility and 24/7 code of conduct
Summary
The board received a first reading of a new handbook that would unify extracurriculars and athletics, set minimum GPA and pass-credit eligibility standards, require parent/student pre-participation meetings, and apply a district-wide code of conduct to participants; discipline for substance-use violations remains tiered.
District staff presented a first reading April 13 of a proposed grades 7–12 extracurricular and athletics handbook intended to unify standards across clubs and teams.
Presenters said the handbook’s stated purpose is to create a single set of expectations for students who represent the district, describing participation as a privilege. The draft would apply a consistent academic-eligibility framework across extracurriculars and athletics (retaining the district’s graduated GPA scale and the OHSAA-required pass-credit standard at the high-school level) and would require a parent or guardian and the student to attend a pre-participation meeting for athletics or extracurricular activities.
The handbook expands a code of conduct to cover extracurricular participants ‘‘24/7/365,’’ meaning off-campus conduct that reflects on the district could trigger enforcement under the handbook even when the student code of conduct does not apply. Presenters said substance-use offenses have a defined first/second/third-offense structure (with different sequences for tobacco versus drugs and alcohol), while other misconduct uses a case-by-case continuum. The draft also formalizes expectations for advisers, coaches, assistant coaches and parents/spectators.
Board members asked several clarifying questions: whether GPA requirements are set by OHSAA (they are not — OHSAA sets minimum pass-credit requirements but not district GPA), how the district will handle seniors taking reduced schedules, how violations are reported and investigated, and timing for required meetings. Staff said counselors work with students on scheduling to preserve eligibility, complaints can originate from students, parents or coaches and are investigated by athletic administration and administrators, and the district will flesh out roll-out logistics and policy language before the April 27 action vote.
Presenters asked board members to provide feedback by the Wednesday before the April 27 meeting so staff can return with a final draft for a board vote and a planned August 1 effective date for 2026–27 if adopted.
No vote was taken on the handbook at this meeting; the board will hear a final action item on April 27.
