Clinton School Superintendent Gary DeLacy wants to the state high school athletic associations conduct a review of competitive balance for the school districts with a look at the impact of poverty.
He told the Clinton School Board that the number of state championships won by schools with 50 percent or more of the students on free and reduced-price lunch over 2011 to 2017 period it is about three percent of the 224 state championship. He believes that discrepancy is in large part due to issues related to poverty. DeLacy also pointed to 2017 when 44 percent of the state championships were won by private schools and those schools serve about six percent of the students. He said that is another indicator of an advantage for schools with ‘means’
DeLacy says he is a believer in opportunities, but the current system does not afford that for schools. He says schools with ‘means’ can provide more opportunities.
DeLacy had a suggestion that competitive levels consider poverty levels so a school could be moved up or down a class.
The Clinton School Superintendent will ask the school board to support a resolution to ask the boys and girls athletic associations to study how poverty affects opportunity.
DeLacy hopes there is other support around the state for the study to level the playing field.
