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League rules could ease

Published (2/17/2012)
By Erin Schmidtke
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High schools around the state depend on the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL). The organization provides opportunities for schools’ fine arts and athletic teams to compete in conferences, or designated groups, with other schools.

Sometimes, it’s not always easy for high schools to have access to the resources that MSHSL provides. That may change.

Currently, if a high school needs to join a conference, it must spend 180 days on its own as part of a “good faith” effort to become part of one before MSHSL steps in to assist it. Educators and league officials say that’s too long.

Rep. Paul Anderson (R-Starbuck) sponsored a bill that intends to ease the process. HF1585 would shorten the waiting period to 90 days. Anderson said that difference might seem simple, but to schools, those 90 days matter.

During a Jan. 26 meeting of the House Education Reform Committee, where members reviewed the bill, Anderson said, “The reason the length of time is significant is because a lot of conferences will schedule tournaments up to a year in advance.” He cited a school in Melrose, which is part of his district, as an example. The high school missed a registration deadline and was forced to travel to Wisconsin and International Falls so their football team could find competitors.

The bill came with the support of MSHSL and passed easily on the House floor with a vote of 133-0. Its companion bill, SF1322, is sponsored by Sen. Joe Gimse (R-Willmar). It awaits action in the Senate Education Committee.

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