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Parents ask why cheerleaders can't travel with football team; superintendent cites club status and insurance limits
Summary
Visitors asked why Martin Public Schools cheerleaders were not permitted to travel to Marquette with the football team; Superintendent Samantha Ball told the board the squad is a club rather than a district-sponsored activity and that liability/insurance concerns prevented travel on district-provided charter buses.
During public comment at the Nov. 17 Martin Board of Education meeting, visitor Jon Hoekstra asked why cheerleaders were not allowed to travel to Marquette with the football team. Cory Lafountain spoke in support of the Hoekstras and raised the same question.
In administration reports, Superintendent Samantha Ball told the board the district’s decision was based on the cheerleading squad’s status as a club rather than a district-sponsored activity. Ball said that distinction created an insurance and liability issue that precluded using district-provided charter buses for the cheerleaders.
Ball said the cheerleaders would run a separate fundraising bucket at the Clipper Cafe to help pay for meals while in Marquette, and she expressed pride in all the students traveling — including the football team, band and the cheer squad.
The transcript records the question from members of the public and the administration’s explanation but does not cite a specific district policy or provide a written guidance document in the meeting record. The community may request further clarification from district administration if it seeks a formal change to travel or sponsorship policies.
