There have been ongoing
conversations about whether or not Shenandoah CSD is best suited as a member of
the Hawkeye 10 conference for a number of years. There are some great school
districts in the conference that add a lot of value to our athletic, activities,
and academic programs. However, some member districts' general size and
enrollment take the competition to a much higher level.
Derek Martin’s recent blogs have suggested it is time for Shenandoah to leave the Hawkeye 10 and consider other options. The article by Jeff Linder and published by the Cedar Rapids Gazette has indicated that many schools across the entire State need to realign. One recommendation Linder made was for Shenandoah and other Hawkeye 10 schools (Red Oak, Clarinda, and St. Alberts) to join the WIC. These are points well taken; members of our leadership team are open and receptive to the ideas presented. Our leadership team is engaging in conversations about conference alignment and is committed to doing what we believe will be best and what the Board of Education will support. We would be remiss if we were unwilling to consider the input and be open to the conversation. This stated, it is important to note there is no simple answer because the decision is not solely in the hands of one district. A district can easily leave a conference if they follow the conference bylaws, but they need to realign with a new conference willing to accept them. Some conferences require supermajority votes of the existing membership and supporting school board votes for new districts to join.
So, where do we go from here? What
will happen next? We must examine and analyze this from different
perspectives and be willing to engage in courageous conversations about
improving our standings. I have made it clear we are having internal
discussions. I will acknowledge that I have recently met with members of the
WIC and with the members of Hawkeye 10 separately to discuss Linder and
Martin's articles, the district's perspective, and consider what alternatives may
exist. This communication is important and is only fair to all districts
involved. Shenandoah would expect the same in return.
While the conversations about
conference realignment are not easy, they align directly with the district's
commitment to Reach, Revamp and Reconnect the High School activities and
athletic programs. Our leadership team is willing to have difficult conversations about this
because, in the end, the decision to stay, leave, or do something different
will be well thought out, communicated fairly, and in the best interest of our
students, staff, and district.
