Board OKs adding middle school softball and football for 2027–28 pending Title IX compliance

The Abingdon-Avon CUSD 276 school board voted to add middle school softball and football beginning in the 2027–28 school year, contingent on the district demonstrating Title IX compliance and finalizing transportation and scheduling logistics. The votes followed an extended discussion about travel time, bus availability and competitive classification.

An athletics official who spoke at length said the district had already cancelled games after an earlier expectation the programs might not proceed this year. “I don’t wanna screw our image up for athletics or for the school district,” the official said, arguing a rushed season with only a few games would harm the programs’ reputation. Board members pushed for a clear plan and asked the administration to identify sports to drop if adding both programs would create gender‑equity or resource shortfalls.

Members cited transportation as a key constraint: board members said adding sports will likely require additional buses or revised routes and could affect afternoon routes and extracurricular schedules. The administration estimated a realistic lead time of four to six months to secure additional buses and asked to move the start to 2027–28 to permit scheduling and equipment planning.

The motion was amended on the floor to specify the 2027–28 school year and that both additions are pending Title IX compliance. The board approved the amendments and the motions; several members voted no on related items, and the minutes record dissent focused on bus and scheduling concerns. Next steps: administration will produce a Title IX compliance plan, a transportation plan and an athletics schedule for board review before implementation.