Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Esports Program topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Teachers, students ask board to expand esports program and equipment
Summary
Teachers and students described the district—s after-school esports program, its academic and social benefits, and asked the board to support more equipment and participation in regional and national competitions.
Michelle Burton, a 0.25-grade teacher at OES, and Stacy Huddleston, a fifth-grade teacher and esports coach, presented the district—s after-school esports club, now in its third year, and asked the board to support expansion so more students can participate.
"We have 90 students enrolled," Burton said, noting the site has only four TVs and "only 16 kids" can play at a time. Huddleston added that the club treats esports like a sport, combining practice for tournaments with movement, STEM projects and writing activities. They described student roles beyond playing—including casting, coaching, coding, graphic design and journalism.
Students who spoke told the board the program builds teamwork, public speaking and technical skills. Leon Burton, a fifth grader, said the club lets students "work together" and gain the camaraderie they might miss if they do not play traditional sports. Presenters asked the board to consider funding additional devices and to support participation in competitions run by NASEF (National Academic Scholastic Esports Federation).
Board members responded positively to the student presentations and acknowledged the combination of academic and social benefits. The presentation functions as a request for increased equipment and district support; no formal funding action was taken at the meeting.
