LEROY-OSTRANDER board approves two-year football co-op with Lyle Pacelli Schools

The Leroy-Ostrander Public Schools board voted to approve a two-year cooperative football agreement with Lyle Pacelli Schools on March 19, authorizing a trial partnership designed to expand playing opportunities for students.

Aaron, a district administrator, told the board the partnership would be a two-year commitment intended as a trial: "if we try this out, maybe a, you will help you build your program back, or it's a good partnership," and the district would maintain its own colors, uniforms and home games while allowing Lyle Pacelli athletes to play with the Leroy-Ostrander roster.

Administrators said the arrangement would keep Leroy-Ostrander’s coaching staff and branding intact. Under the plan, Lyle Pacelli would initially cover transportation for its students and provide a coach; players would be expected to buy home and away jerseys. Aaron said the arrangement "would give kids more opportunity...to play at their appropriate levels," and that the districts had set a practical buy-in timeframe because jerseys and equipment must be ordered promptly.

Board members discussed logistics that remain to be settled: the Lyle Pacelli board had not yet voted, jersey ordering requires action by April to meet supplier lead times, and equipment adjustments (face-mask swaps or helmet purchases) could add modest costs. Trustees also discussed transportation options, noting the district typically uses two vans plus a bus for away contests and might need to adapt if additional vehicles are required.

A board member moved and the board approved the cooperation agreement by voice vote. The board directed administrators to notify Lyle Pacelli and proceed with coordination steps for the April decision points and equipment ordering.

The agreement is intended to run for two years before the districts reevaluate. The board recorded no roll-call tallies in the transcript; the motion passed by voice vote (motion carried). The districts will return to further logistical details as the co-op is implemented.