Parents and students press Barker board for boys’ soccer; athletic director recommends against adding program

Parents and students urged the Barker Central School District Board of Education to add a boys’ soccer program or pursue a merged team with Lyndonville Central School District, arguing the sport would expand opportunities and draw families to the district. Jennifer Mason, a 2004 Barker graduate, told the Board she spoke “as an advocate for the establishment of a boys’ soccer team and a merger with Lyndonville Central School District” and asked the Board to “say yes.”

Athletic Director Rob Mucha presented the district’s analysis, tracing a review that began Jan. 8, 2024 and reaffirming the prior recommendation not to add boys’ soccer. Mucha said past sign‑ups and enrollment comparisons with similar districts showed limited participation (historically small numbers at modified, JV and varsity levels) and that the District’s Title IX review found the district in compliance. He told the Board the estimated cost to start a standalone program would be approximately $19,352 and that adding a program could “spread [athletes] too thin,” risking competitiveness or forcing additional mergers that might weaken Barker’s school identity.

Board members and community speakers traded views on next steps. Dr. Reimer, the superintendent, noted that shared‑team costs would be prorated and cited sample line items (a varsity coach stipend of about $5,300 and officials roughly $2,000) when asked about cost drivers. Board member Stephanie Mason suggested a two‑year pilot or starting as a merged program with Lyndonville if numbers prove sufficient; others, including Trustee Voss, emphasized protecting existing programs and Barker’s identity.

The Board did not adopt a motion to add the program at the meeting; members directed continued monitoring of interest, encouraged outreach to neighboring districts about possible sharing arrangements, and asked Administration to keep the community informed.