Glasgow School Board Changes Policy on Extracurricular Activities

At a special meeting held Monday, Dec. 14, the Glasgow School Board voted to update their policy on extracurricular activity participation by distance learners. The new 1908 policy allows for coaches and advisors to allow students who are currently enrolled in distance learning to participate in extracurricular activities that can be done virtually. The adjusted policy also allows students in post-season activities the option of going to remote learning for a two-week period prior to post-season competition until that competition is concluded. Students will then be allowed to return to in-class instruction.

The full board voted unanimously to update their policy at the special meeting. “We came to an understanding,” said Superintendent Wade Sundby. He said there was some discussion, but the board worked to build in language to meet the needs of everybody, though Sundby noted they understood the impossibility of meeting everyone’s approval. He added that the goal of the school is to provide as many opportunities for students as possible in an unprecedented year, “If we can do virtual, we will.”

The change came after a Speech and Drama parent had requested the board reexamine their policy on disallowing distance learners to participate in extracurricular activities. Carla Swenson pointed out that the policy was set in place in light of the necessity of social distancing to protect students. At the time of implementation, board members and school staff decided that a student who was willing to risk exposure to coronavirus for sports or activities should be willing to risk exposure in the classroom. Swenson noted that in the interim, the decision was made to hold the Speech and Drama season virtually, negating the exposure risk.

The request led to extensive discussion at the regular board meeting on Dec. 9. The board discussed whether to make an exception for Speech and Drama to reflect the virtual season or whether to update the school policy rather than make an exception. Speech coach Jodi Griffin supported Swenson’s request at that meeting, saying it would mean no additional work for her or her coaches to include more participants virtually.

Sundby stressed that participation for distance learners will be left up to the discretion of the coach or advisor, and that there are obviously some cases where virtual participation will not be possible. He noted that per a coach’s discretion, a basketball player could participate in a virtual practice if the coach allows and is directing practice in a way allows for virtual participation, such as film review or learning new plays in a classroom-like setting. However, games can not be held virtually.

The new policy portion allowing for temporary remote learning for post-season activities applies exclusively to school-sponsored activities. Those who participate in activities outside of school, such as hockey and rodeo, will not be allowed to choose remote learning for their activities with the option to return to in-class instruction.

Sundby be extended his gratitude to the community for their patience during this trying year with ongoing adjustments to school and policy. He noted that the understanding of students and parents allow the board and faculty to move forward as fairly as they can while doing all they can to protect the health and safety of their students. He added, “We also wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a happy new year.”