Gina Garrett urges Marion County schools to review sports scheduling after midweek religious conflicts

Gina Garrett, director of programs at St. Augustine Church, told the Marion County Board of Education during the public-comment period that Wednesday-night practices and weekend tournaments for youth sports are creating conflicts with midweek religious education across multiple local congregations.

"We have about 65 kids that come on Wednesday," Garrett said. "Some sports, like soccer and volleyball, are limited to referees and tournaments on Wednesday nights. We have religion on Wednesday nights. It's not just our church." She said she had contacted coaches and the Marion County athletic director, named in her remarks as Chris Brady, and that coaches were cooperative but constrained by regional scheduling and referee availability.

Garrett asked the board to consider whether district scheduling — particularly for tournaments that involve other counties and are harder to reschedule — can be reviewed for next year to reduce routine conflicts with religious services. "If we could just look at it for next year," she said, "maybe move toward a goal that works for us."

Chair (speaker 1) thanked Garrett for bringing the request and said district staff had been welcoming and receptive. The chair noted that the district itself does not schedule Sunday-morning events and described the district’s intent to continue working with community partners where possible. Garrett said she had gathered petitions and offered them to the district but understood schedules are made well in advance.

The exchange ended with the board indicating it would continue to engage with community organizations and athletic staff to explore options; no formal policy change or vote was taken at the meeting.