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Sacking activity buses takes toll on Spotsy High's teams
Spotsylvania High holds extra tryouts as answer to transportation issue
Date published: 9/3/2009
By PAMELA GOULD Spotsylvania High School is holding a second round of football tryouts this week, but it isn't because of the team's performance. Coaches made the unusual move to reopen tryouts because many students couldn't get a ride to the rural school last month, Principal Rusty Davis said. The Spotsylvania County School Board eliminated activity buses for middle and high schools for the 2009-10 school year as part of budget cuts, providing a savings of $243,885. Not only did activity buses provide students rides home following after-school activities in years past, but they also had run during preseason practices and tryouts. "The impact on athletics has been felt across the board," Davis said this week. The varsity football team currently has 23 players, about half the number of seasons past. On Monday, three days after the team opened the season with a blowout loss to Massaponax, 37 teens showed up for tryouts. Those who make the team won't be allowed to play in games immediately. The school's field hockey team, marching band and cheerleading squad all are also below their normal numbers, Davis and Activities Director Buddy Herndon said. Only the volleyball and cross-country teams are at full strength. Herndon said the full impact of eliminating the buses will be seen in November when winter sports begin and activities are in full swing. In the past, students also stayed after for remedial work on academics. "I do support the decision, but it's a tough pill to swallow," Davis said. The Free Lance-Star called the county's other four high schools and all seven middle schools regarding the activity buses. Of those interviewed, only Spotsylvania Middle Principal Mark Beckett reported problems. He said his school has seen a slight dip in participation in athletics. Attempts to interview Post Oak Middle School administrators were unsuccessful. Post Oak is located next to Spotsylvania High and, like Spotsylvania Middle, is a feeder school to Spotsylvania High. Spotsylvania High and Post Oak draw students from the most rural and expansive segment of the county. It's a 45-minute ride for some students. FISCAL AND SAFETY ISSUES
Read more stories about Spotsylvania Date published: 9/3/2009
Spotsy sports are not in the tank
(posted by
charladan
, Sep. 4, 2009 5:39 pm)
Most people get wound up about football. Spotsy boys cross country will probably trounce every school in the county regardless of size. The baseball and softball teams are pretty good as well. The school board should be encouraging well rounded students and athletics are part of a well rounded program. Eliminating the buses was a short sighted decision. If it was a real safety issue then something would done for the children "walking a mile in the dark" in the morning. The school board should be replace
Sorry Brighthear
(posted by
livnginva
, Sep. 4, 2009 3:23 pm)
I don't think it is the schools responsibility to do anything other then educate our children. If you can't pick them up after extra-curricular activities, like sports, then the school should not become their parent. The school board definately has their priorities up on the budget, but the answer is not to give back activitiy buses. Demand that the school board be held accountable for their spending. Maybe they should have oversight by someone.
The article is covering the wrong subject. I'm sorry Spotsy HS's FB team is so small and noncompetit
(posted by
teacherdude
, Sep. 3, 2009 9:56 pm)
Dr. Hill sold this budget as having a minimal impact on instuction, but that simply isn't true. Activity busses also used to take kids home from school after tutoring and review sessions. 123 teaching positions were cut from the budget, but only 3 from central office. Now one of those 3 has been refilled.
But from the news covereage and comments, it seems that the Spotsy SB isn't the only group with their priorities out of order.
Parents can't cover everything--that's
(posted by
brightheart
, Sep. 3, 2009 7:47 pm)
why we have public schools. and it isn't just the athletics programs that are affected--clubs and remediation are also after school activiities. spotsy needs to be working better with parents to find solutions and rethinking taking away the buses--there are things the kids need less
cont...
(posted by
postoak
, Sep. 3, 2009 3:11 pm)
.......as for the football coach a little R and D should have been done..if thieer is a youngster with a cannon for an arm and can't get to practice you best believe as a coach i would make sure he gets there!!!!................bottom line i want to see Spotsylvania High School Athletics back on track....... And shame on the county for taking care of the "YANKEES" that keep moving in from Northern VA. I say we shut down SHS all together that way we could join VRE....were just a bunch of hicks in the sticks
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