Northwest High School Paying Other Schools NOT to Play Them?
The tradition of organized school sports has been a pillar of community pride and family enjoyment since the late 1800s. Sports teams are an excellent way for students to learn teamwork, physical fitness, and discipline. They also provide a sense of belonging and a connection with the local community. Whenever controversy arises about this staple of youth and family culture, it is appropriate to consider it closer.
Several sources have reported that Northwest High School is making unusual football team plans for the fall. To avoid playing schools like West, Minford, and Wheelersburg, it’s reported that Northwest plans to forfeit those games. In addition, Northwest may even be planning to pay those schools not to play them. It is unclear if the payments would be a result of a fine or how the payments were calculated. The estimate provided to SCDN amounts to over $30,000.
According to sources, the current plan also calls for the Athletic Boosters to pay for the costs associated with playing other schools up to three hours away.
One parent told SCDN, “It’s demoralizing to the players. It’s offensive to the taxpayers that funded the payouts. It’s a kick in the gut to Mohawk Nation.”
Parents are concerned about the potential safety risks involved in intentionally playing away games so far from home. They cite the possible danger to the players, families, and fans traveling with the team. A parent said, “Who will be held responsible if someone is seriously injured or killed as a result of their decision to travel so far away?”
Questions about the legality of using taxpayer money to pay off local teams and taking money from the Athletic Booster funds to finance extended travel abound.
Northwest officials have not responded to our request for a response. The school superintendent was notified that the article would be published today and took no action.
Update
Following the publication of this article, the school superintendent sent a vague response. His final statement came in the afternoon after we pointed out the loopholes in the first version.
According to the superintendent, the board has not openly discussed this issue at a meeting. However, there has been some discussion regarding the possibility of scheduling changes in the future.
He stated that he has never talked with the boosters.
We will continue to monitor the decision-making process and report any updates.