Eugene School District Files Appeal of Castillo`s OSAA Decision

The new six-class plan carves the state’s schools into six groupings by enrollment for sports, rather than the current four.

Under the new rule, kids will travel long distance and no longer play traditional rival schools Photo By: Tim King

(SALEM) - Eugene School District Superintendent George Russell on Monday directed the district lawyer to file an appeal of the latest ruling on the OSAA six-class plan.

That appeal to the Oregon Court of Appeals was to be filed Monday afternoon.

There is no set time-line for the court to hear or decide the case; the district assumes the six-class plan is in effect until further notice.

Last Friday, State Schools Superintendent Susan Castillo supported the Oregon School Activities Association`s six-class athletic division plan, capping a series of legal and procedural moves by the OSAA and the Eugene, Medford and Salem-Keizer districts, which had objected to the reclassification plan.

Castillo`s order supported the ruling by a hearings official, which said the OSAA plan did not violate any laws.

The three districts appealed the OSAA plan in October 2005.

As part of the plan, Sheldon and South Eugene high schools must travel to play Roseburg, two Medford schools and Grants Pass in a southern Oregon league, instead of traditional and local rivals North Eugene, Churchill, Willamette, Springfield and Thurston.

The Eugene School District expects the increased travel for the two schools to cost an extra $66,000 per year, starting next fall.

Lost gate receipts from smaller crowds, put off by traveling, might decrease revenue by some $50,000 per year.

Castillo`s ruling added that while she shared the concerns of the three appealing districts, the law prevented her from deciding any other way.

She also mentioned introducing legislation during the 2007 session that would prioritize student-athlete class-time, and reducing travel costs and risks, instead of `competitive balance."

Concerned parents have peppered the district with questions about how they can help an appeal effort.

To help parents can:

Share dissatisfaction in writing with the State Superintendent and the State School Board

Contact local legislators and support creating a future bill that could reduce travel and keep viable leagues intact

Watch for information from the Eugene district on the state of such legislation after the start of 2007.