Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Extracurriculars topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Resident urges Wall School District 51‑5 to explore a sideline cheer program
Summary
Parent and resident Kelsey Clark asked the board to explore creating a sideline cheer program to boost student involvement and school spirit, citing the SDHSAA Sideline Cheer Handbook and suggesting a phased, low‑cost start and a parent survey; the board recommended committee review and a survey instrument.
Kelsey Clark, a local resident and parent, told the Wall School District 51‑5 Board she would like the district to explore starting a sideline cheerleading program.
Clark outlined benefits she said are supported by the South Dakota High School Activities Association Sideline Cheer Handbook: increased student involvement, leadership development, and enhanced game‑day atmosphere. She said sideline cheer is a low‑cost, scalable option that could start on a small scale (for varsity football and boys varsity basketball) and expand if interest grows. Clark offered to help organize fundraising and said she knew local businesses willing to donate startup support.
Board members responded favorably and suggested practical next steps: take the topic to committee for a deeper feasibility review; conduct a parent and student survey for grades 7–12 using the district messaging app; and identify timing for a competitive cheer decision (competitive programs have registration deadlines that may affect start dates). One trustee noted staff guidance from the state activities office indicating sideline cheer can typically begin without waiting for additional approvals, while competitive cheer would have a later deadline.
Outcome: The board did not make formal commitments but agreed to consider the proposal in committee and to ask administration to draft a short survey to measure student and parent interest.
Why it matters: Adding an extracurricular sideline cheer program could increase participation, support athletics and provide a low‑cost pathway to expand student opportunities; the board asked for a feasibility review and community input before any commitment.
