(KTNC) - The Falls City School District will not add baseball as a varsity sport – at least for now. District 56 began exploring the possibility of adding baseball last fall, when a group interested in starting a baseball program pitched the idea to the School Board.
Following a review of the district’s current sports programs and participation rates, Superintendent Tim Heckenlively said the recommendation was to not add another boys’ sport at this time. The primary reason for the decision, he says, is gender equity. (play audio)
The Falls City School District currently has six boys’ sports and five girls’ sports, and of 124 Falls City High School students who participate in athletics, nearly six in 10 are boys. Adding another boys’ sport would most likely put the Falls City School District out of compliance with Title 9 – the 1972 federal law that bans sex discrimination in schools.
Kory Huppert spoke Monday on behalf of the group supporting high school baseball. While he said he understands the decision to not add baseball now, he also cited a student survey of Middle and High School students that projected nearly 40 boys would participate in baseball by the 2015-16 school year. (play audio )
The district may revisit the decision and add baseball in the future. But, Heckenlively says, the focus needs to go in a different direction first.
© MSC News
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Effingham woman killed Friday in Atchison wreck
One hospitalized, one jailed, after Atchison attack
Atchison man involved in fatal NW MO crash
One injured in Nemaha Co wreck
Rural Horton man arrested on multiple drug charges
Street lights to be discussed at Monday city meeting
Services set for Effingham woman killed in crash
Meteorologist Spencer: Geometric Watch means electronic disruptions
Two file to challenge local legislator
USD 430 Board accepts resignations, approves new hires
U.S. 36 work in Doniphan Co to impact motorists
Truck fire at CGB facility in Falls City
Flags to fly half staff Wednesday across KS
BC's Pate remembered by students, college family
Results from SE Nebraska contested Primary Elections
Fatal Atchison apt fire investigation continues
Update: Date set for signals switch at Hiawatha intersection
LATEST STORIES
Barricaded fugitive arrested in Jackson County
Wed signing means full funding for KS education
MHMA Mock Trial Team sees natl success
Fatal Atchison apt fire investigation continues
Update: Date set for signals switch at Hiawatha intersection
Results from SE Nebraska contested Primary Elections
U.S. 36 work in Doniphan Co to impact motorists
Senator Ricketts staff to visit Falls City and Auburn
RELATED STORIES
Falls City School District transportation report
Falls City School Board approves raises and personnel moves
Falls City Teacher participating in STEM program
Falls City School Board Vacancy Filled
"Sniffer Dog" Policy Moves Forward
Falls City School Board Approves Contracts
Bleacher Replacement Project Approved
Settlement Announced by Falls City School Supt