DARIEN, IL – Hinsdale High School District 86 is backtracking on its decision to downgrade the boys gymnastics programs at Central and South high schools.
Behind the scenes, the district informed boys gymnasts’ families earlier this year that it would combine the Central and South’s boys gymnastics teams as a co-op program.
In May, the district’s action burst into the open when parents protested at a school board meeting. That prompted a board member to chastise administrators. Officials agreed to reconsider their decision.
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In response to the parents at the May meeting, administrators said they were cutting back the programs because the Illinois High School Association downgraded boys gymnastics to an “emerging” sport. That meant the association would no longer host tournaments.
Historically, few Illinois schools have fielded boys or girls gymnastics teams. They are mainly limited to wealthy Chicago area schools.
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In the spring, District 86 gymnastics families were informed the district could no longer financially support the coaching stipends for the boys teams. The district said this was consistent with its past approach to “emerging” sports.
At Thursday’s school board meeting, interim Superintendent Rebecca Nelson said the district planned to continue with teams at both Central and South next year.
“Each year thereafter, we will review the participation and interest from student-athletes and decide on the best configuration for the district,” Nelson said. “That might mean two separate programs, one at each school. That might mean a single co-op program district-wide.”
Money for boys gymnastics is already in the budget for next school year, so the board does not need to make any financial decisions, Nelson said.
Coaches have already been identified from the past season, she said.
Thursday’s meeting was the last for Nelson. She was interim superintendent along with Raymond Lechner. Their terms ended Sunday.
On Monday, Michael Lach took the helm as superintendent.
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