Board supports three activities-association amendments changing eligibility and transfer rules

The Watertown School District 14-4 board voted on recommended positions for three amendments to the high school activities association during the May meeting.

Amendment 1: The board supported changing eligibility so the semester clock for activities participation begins in seventh grade (moving from the previous model that started counting at ninth grade). Administrators said the change addresses a trend where students reclassify to manipulate eligibility windows.

Amendment 2: The board supported a clarification limiting students who transfer due to a school closure from gaining immediate eligibility before the end of the school year; students should remain at the closing school until the school year ends and receive the transfer option when the closure is effective at year-end. The board noted bona fide family moves remain an allowable exception.

Amendment 3: The board supported codifying existing practice that early graduation or passing a GED ends a student’s activities eligibility at the semester the diploma or GED is earned.

All three recommended votes were carried by the board; the motions were presented as amendment ballots and approved by voice votes.