Hardee County school board approves emergency gym use for youth teams after debate over late request

The Hardee County School Board approved an emergency request to allow youth baseball and softball teams to use the old junior high gym on Jan. 31, 2026, and practice fields at Hardee Junior High, Hardee High School and Wu Elementary School after a late submission prompted a special meeting Tuesday night.

Board members said the weather forecast justified a one-time exception but cautioned against making habit of approving last-minute facility requests. A motion by Miss Cornell, seconded by Miss Dasher, passed after each board member voted 'I.'

The item was introduced under the facilities section of the action agenda. A board member argued that routinely granting late requests would "open Pandora's box," creating inconsistent expectations for community groups. That board member said they would support an emergency use of the indoor gym because of the weather but would not have supported earlier field requests scheduled to begin Feb. 6.

Mr. Smith, who attended virtually, said he agreed with allowing the weather-related exception but emphasized that external groups must meet submission deadlines in the future and that the school system should hold outside organizations to the same standards it applies to employees. "I was noticing the February 6 date, you know, but I get the weather, so I'm, you know, I'm okay with it," Smith said.

After brief discussion the board took individual votes. Miss Dasher, Miss Cornell, Mr. Smith and the chair each voted yes and the motion carried. The board did not record any opposing or abstaining votes in the transcript.

The board announced that its next regular meeting will be Feb. 12, 2026, at 5:00 p.m., and adjourned at about 11:34 p.m.