Stanton County board approves high‑school boys’ black basketball uniforms in 4‑3 vote

At its Nov. 12 meeting in Johnson, the Stanton County Unified School District #452 Board of Education voted 4‑3 to approve purchase of black high‑school boys’ basketball uniforms to be paid for with donations.

The uniforms — black with yellow and maroon stripes — were presented by Leighton, who had players try them on for the board. "I plan on them wearing them at least five times this year," Leighton said during the presentation, answering board questions about appearance and use.

Board members debated whether accepting the donor‑funded uniforms would violate the district’s intended uniform rotation policy and whether sponsor funds could be used to bypass rotation timing. Chantry Scott moved to approve the purchase with donations; Val Zamudio seconded the motion, which carried 4‑3.

The vote followed earlier discussion that the district’s uniform rotation policy contained gray areas that administration is drafting to clarify; that policy discussion was tabled for reconsideration at the December meeting. Superintendent Dave Novack was noted as already preparing a draft uniform rotation policy to address such ambiguities.

The board did not record individual yes/no votes by member name in the minutes; the minutes show the motion passed 4‑3. The board’s action allows the team to acquire the donated uniforms for immediate use pending finalization of any revised rotation policy.

The item originated as a public comment and demonstration earlier in the meeting; the board’s formal action concluded the item by approving purchase with donated funds. The district plans to revisit the uniform rotation policy at next month’s meeting.