Dalton board discusses possible soccer program
The Dalton Board of Education held its regular board meeting on Oct. 23 at the Dalton Elementary and Middle School Commons Area.
Interim Superintendent Scott Beatty discussed attending the Tri County Educational Service Center’s superintendent meeting, during which state legislators addressed various issues including home valuations, school choice vouchers and homeschooling.
Beatty also reported attending the bimonthly Athletic Council, the focus of which was on soccer programs. The council meeting raised numerous issues about adding a soccer program including a focus on examining the sustainability of such a program. Meeting attendees were advised the issues a school district should consider before adding a soccer program include student interest, availability of facilities, financial considerations and the impact of adding soccer on other sports.
Beatty also informed the board about OHSAA rules that prohibit public school students from participating in private school sports programs but which allow private school students in the district to participate in public school sports if a private school doesn’t offer that sport. It also was discussed that Dalton and Rittman are the only two schools in the county without a girls soccer team. There also was a reminder that Title IX requires equality of offerings in sports for boys and girls.
The board approved a series of hires and volunteers and also approved, by unanimous vote, adding the sport of varsity swimming through Orrville High School.
Finally, the board approved the JUUL lawsuit settlement. The JUUL litigation involved a lawsuit against JUUL, an e-cigarette manufacturer that allegedly marketed nicotine products to minors. The Ohio attorney general announced a settlement with JUUL, with the proceeds of the settlement to go to school districts that approve the settlement. Each school district that approves the settlement gets a portion of the total settlement. The board did not discuss what amount Dalton would receive.
