Tucker County board approves middle-school soccer team amid transport and population concerns

The Tucker County Board of Education voted 4–0 to create a middle-school soccer team after parents and supporters pressed the board during public comment.

A parent who introduced her son, Alex, told the board they were "in favor of taking a decision" on the soccer program and asked the trustees to "consider their wants, for a program within the school system." Several parents said they were prepared to help with transportation and volunteer support.

During discussion, board members expressed enthusiasm for giving students more opportunities but raised practical concerns. One board member cautioned that the district is already struggling to provide transportation to existing extracurriculars and cited recent maintenance problems, driver shortages and aging buses. He pointed to county population projections that show continuing decline and said the board must consider whether it can sustain new programs over the long term: "We're gonna have to make some tough decisions on what we keep and what we don't keep," the member said.

Superintendent Amber described the proposal and noted parents and community members had discussed forming a rec league and other alternatives, but said a school-based program would capture students the district might otherwise miss. Board members discussed facilities — the district currently lacks a soccer field — and agreed parents and volunteers would likely need to help with transportation for the foreseeable future.

After debate the board voted to approve creation of a middle-school soccer team, 4–0.

The board did not adopt a transportation plan during the meeting; members asked staff to consider logistics and to report back. The board also noted demographic and budget pressures as background for future program decisions.