Board Members Review DW Combine Meeting

WAITSBURG – The Waitsburg School Board took a few minutes during last week’s regular board meeting to share thoughts on the community Dayton-Waitsburg proposed combine meeting held Jan. 8.

“It’s clear to me, at least from that particular meeting, that the support from the Waitsburg community is there and they want to see this go forward. We’ve already made our decision as a board,” said Board Chair Ross Hamann.

He went on to comment on what appeared to be a possible change of heart by the Dayton community regarding the combine.

“My stance is that I’m not going to force anyone to do anything. If their board makes the decision that they don’t want to participate, they have that right. I don’t want to participate with someone who is reluctant,” he added.

Board Member Christy House said that if there was any question on Dayton’s part, the districts should put a hold on negotiations.

“I don’t want to get going on it and have it fall apart in Sept. or Oct. They need to decide if they’re 100% in or not,” House said.

Parent Michelle Paul asked if football and baseball would continue as individual combines if Dayton decided not to proceed with the full combine.

Hamann said he assumed sports would be determined on a case-by-case basis and said he was agreeable if it meant keeping a program alive.

Paul was concerned that one district could refuse to combine if they had enough players for a particular sport, potentially leaving the other district unable to compete, but could turn around and approve a combine if they did need players.

Board Member Russ Knopp said he understood what she was saying but that the board must do what is best for the kids that they can help when they have the opportunity.

“I think If we’re going to do it you need to be on board and help all the kids, not to just help bits and pieces of the kids,” Paul said.

Hamann said that combines are fragile but that Waitsburg should continue to move forward in a positive manner.

“I think the ball is in Dayton’s court now, at least from what I saw on Monday,” he said.