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Youth Sports & Athletics Task Force

The Oregon School District believes that student participation in youth sports (pre-K - 6th grade) and athletics (7th - 12th grade) is an integral part of the total educational process. Students learn important life skills through sports and also gain benefits for overall health and well-being. Close to half our students at OHS and OMS participate in sports and more than 3,000 OSD students engage in youth sports organization activities.

In early 2017, the school board established a Youth Sports & Athletics Task force to examine the purposes, shared values and expectations for youth sports organizations and athletic programs in the district, desired outcomes, cooperative opportunities and equity for all students. The Task Force reviewed national research, studied participation data and hosted a summit with 90+ community members, all with the goal of developing action steps in the form of recommendations to the School Board that will ensure youth sports and athletic programs are built upon a foundation of learning and our sports culture is a strong and positive one.

The ongoing result of this effort is a regular consortium meeting between presidents of our local youth sports club organizations with OSD staff to discuss best practices and topics in youth sports. 

2018 Task Force Recommendations

Recommendation #1

The Oregon School District survey both students and parents (4K to Grade 12) about participation and non-participation in sports to better understand access, equity and opportunities or lack thereof, to benchmark participation numbers and to determine goals for the future. We suggest the research be conducted by an outside firm.

Responsible Parties: Oregon School District and Outside Research Firm

Timeline: February 2019

Recommendation #2

The Oregon School District and Oregon Youth Sports Organizations form a consortium to collaborate and develop best practices, shared beliefs and information processes in the areas of coach preparation and training, communication to families and concept of age-appropriate development/ seasons. Oregon School District physical education and health educators will also be included as members of the consortium.

Responsible Parties: OSD Athletic Director and Youth Sports Organization Leaders

Timeline: Begin Winter 2018-2019

Recommendation #3

Creation of an Advisory Council that is charged with developing tools and mechanisms to help parents become better educated in their role as a “sport parent” with the purpose of fostering their child’s development, ensuring that sports experiences are centered in learning and to help grow a strong and positive sports culture for our kids.

Responsible Party: New Parent Advisory Council

Timeline: Fall of 2018. Launch Winter of 2018-2019.

Original Task Force Members & Reports

Oregon School District Staff

  • Mike Carr, Co-Chair, Director of Athletics
  • Dawn Goltz, PVE School Principal
  • Dave Jameson, Community Ed & Rec Program Coordinator
  • Kelli Pierce, RCI Teacher and Head Cheer Coach
  • Jake Soule, RCI Teacher and Head Baseball
  • Coach Sydnee Wyss, OMS Teacher and Head Softball Coach

Community Members

  • Krista Flanagan, Co-Chair, Oregon School District Board of Education Member
  • Eric Anderson
  • John Breidenbach
  • Tim Erickson
  • Dawn Koopman
  • Heather Kugel
  • Sarah Tarantino