School Board Looks To Correct Title IV Issues

The Jefferson County School Board met Thursday evening, October 11, 2018 at the Patriot Academy for their Work Session. Prior to the Call to Order, several school officials, along with members of the Board, toured various location around Jefferson County High School hoping to identify the most logical location to implement upgrades to various sports practice and playing fields.

Earlier this year, it was brought to the attention of the Board that the Lady Patriots Soccer Team has been traveling off campus to practice and the field they have been practicing on has no facilities to change clothing, use the rest room or get shelter from inclement weather. While the Lady Patriots and the Patriots Soccer teams both use the football field for games, the Lady Patriots play in the fall and their practice schedule is in conflict with the football team. The Men’s Soccer Team play in the spring where conflicts for Shannon Field are not as prevalent.

When the Title IX violation was brought to the attention of the Board it was also discovered that the Lady Patriots Softball Field and Stadium is in need to upgrades to answer the dictates of Title IX which assures gender equality in areas that receive federal funding. To address the needs of the Lady Patriots Soccer and Softball teams the Board has been considering plans that would include upgrades and a practice field, as well as locker rooms. Previously, there was a movement to artificially turf the football field and it was brought to the attention of the Board that the Cross Country Team is currently running on Highway 92 which could pose a safety consideration.

The Board is currently considering four plans that vary in expanse of work that would be done. To that end, Director of Schools Johnston will return with a “menu” of projects and prices that the Board can use to pull together a plan.

Source: K. Depew, News Director