Board approves handbook update to allow eighth-graders in high school athletics

The Humboldt Community School District board on July 20 approved updates to the middle- and high-school parent-student handbooks to allow eighth-grade students to participate in high school athletics in the 2026–2027 school year.

Superintendent Ryan Fedders and Athletic Director Ryan O’Hern presented the board with information on eligibility and participation guidelines before trustees voted. Lane moved and Mertz seconded the handbook updates; the motion carried unanimously. Athletic Director O’Hern left the meeting at 5:56 p.m. following the presentation.

The board did not record further amendments to the handbook language in the minutes; implementation steps were assigned to the athletics office. The board’s approval places the policy change into effect for the coming school year pending routine administrative follow-up.