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Cabell board approves middle‑school baseball, softball for 2026–27; soccer added in later year
Summary
After extensive public comment and a staff presentation outlining costs and logistics, the Cabell County Board of Education voted to add middle‑school baseball and softball for 2026–27, with coed middle‑school soccer slated for 2027–28 and startup contributions and coaching funding allocated in the near term.
The Cabell County Board of Education voted Aug. 4 to add middle‑school baseball and softball for the 2026–27 school year and to add middle‑school soccer for 2027–28 after hearing extensive public support and a cost and implementation presentation from Executive Director Mann.
Mann told the board he had consulted middle‑school and high‑school administrators, local little‑league leaders and community partners and presented startup cost estimates, coaching expenses and a funding plan. "This year, those coaching costs would be an additional $31,659.20," Mann said, and he proposed a one‑time startup contribution of $3,000 per team to help schools begin their programs. He also noted the district raised its per‑school athletic baseline this year to $15,000 to help absorb initial costs.
Board members asked practical questions about facilities, transportation and phased rollouts. Mann said community partners (YMCA, Greater Huntington Parks and Recreation and some little leagues) had offered facilities and low‑dollar leases in early conversations, and he described several transportation approaches, including routing existing buses when practices are local and relying on parent drive teams when buses or lighting are unavailable.
Multiple community speakers urged the board to act. "They want to represent their school," said Brian Casto, a Milton Middle teacher and coach who described social‑emotional and attendance benefits for students who play school sports. Chris Wallace of the Ona Milton Athletic Association said local little leagues produce many players who have no middle‑school home and estimated more than 70% stop playing without local school options.
A motion from a board member to approve the sports addition was moved and seconded; the board voted by voice and the motion carried. The board directed staff to continue planning logistics, contracts and budget adjustments needed for a launch this school year for baseball and softball and a phased addition of soccer in later years.
