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Students ask Bristol schools for an all‑girls wrestling team; board urges review
Summary
Three student wrestlers urged the Board of Education to create an all‑girls wrestling team (initially as a co‑op between the district’s two high schools); commissioners expressed support and asked administration to examine policy, funding and union implications.
Three students from Bristol high schools told the Board of Education on Feb. 4 they want an all‑girls wrestling team and urged the board to examine policy and funding implications.
Sienna Porter (Bristol Central junior), Gabby Stamford (Bristol Eastern sophomore) and Jazara Jenkins (Bristol Central junior) described small current rosters, argued that a girls‑only team would increase participation and scholarship opportunities, and offered volunteer coaching and fundraising support. They requested the board consider a co‑op between Bristol Central and Bristol Eastern as a first step — similar to existing co‑ops for swimming and lacrosse — and said they have gathered community signatures and secured volunteer coach candidates.
Chair Ponds and other commissioners praised the students’ preparation and courage, and said the administration will look into the request. Commissioners cautioned that policy and union contract language may affect how the team would be staffed and funded; the board suggested adding the topic to a future policy conversation so administration can report back on feasibility, costs, and any collective‑bargaining implications.
Next steps: administration will review policy, funding and contractual constraints and bring the proposal back to the board for discussion, likely on the policy agenda.
