Parents, students urge Benicia Unified to reverse termination of multi‑school athletics agreement

Jennifer Smith, a longtime Benicia resident and former district employee, told the board the multi‑school agreement between Benicia High and Visions in Education has been “a lifeline” for her homeschooled son and pleaded for the district to reconsider ending the arrangement. “This agreement has not just been a privilege, but it's been a lifeline,” Smith said, noting the May 31, 2026 deadline to file a new agreement and offering to help with fundraising or administrative coordination.

Smith and other speakers described students who are not district enrollees but who participate in BHS athletics through the agreement as deeply connected to the community, volunteering at events and supporting teams. "Water polo and swim have given Connor goals beyond high school," Smith said, describing how athletics provided social and developmental benefits for her son.

Claire Smith, a junior and Connor's teammate, said the student's attitude and team leadership made him integral to the squad. "He has been the hype man," she said, arguing that removing homeschooled athletes would hollow out team culture and harm teammates who depend on those relationships.

Several student athletes spoke directly about the personal impact. "I hope you guys can consider making a new agreement with Visions," said Connor Smith. Teammates and captains echoed that removing homeschooled participants would damage the teams' depth and the students' sense of belonging.

Counselor Dwayne Magno urged the board to prioritize students' well‑being: "How do we not harm students?" he asked, arguing that alternatives exist to address concerns about individual families without barring an entire group of students from participation.

Community members laid out practical requests: reconsider the district's decision, allow families a path to cure paperwork or communication gaps, or place temporary restrictions on individual students where necessary rather than ending the program for all. Several speakers said they had not been alerted to tensions between BHS and Visions until after a decision was announced and described the process as abrupt.

No board vote or formal action on the multi‑school agreement was recorded during the meeting. The board did record numerous other approvals that night, but the public comment period ended with pleas for the district and Visions to find a solution that preserves student eligibility ahead of the May 31 filing deadline.

Next steps: Members of the public who addressed the board asked staff to return with options and for district leaders to work with Visions, CIF/NCS and families to resolve paperwork or communication issues. The board did not announce a timetable for a decision on the multi‑school agreement during the meeting.