“I’m so excited that we can finally say yes,”
exclaimed Valley Center-Pauma school board trustee Barbara Rohrer
Thursday night when the board voted to offer boys lacrosse next
spring at the high school.
The program is contingent upon the Valley Center Lacrosse Foundation
providing 100% funding by Oct. 1.
Glen Shimer, of the foundation thanked Supt. Lou Obermeyer
for working with the group.
Initially Dr. Obermeyer recommended against the program, however
when the group showed her that they were prepared to raise funds
to pay for everything associated with the sport, about $8,970
for one team by Oct. 1, 2010, she brought forward a yes recommendation
to the board.
One way that the foundation hopes to raise money for the program
is through a golf tournament. They are also, said Shimer, putting
out feelers to other funding sources.
“The wheels are in motion to have this support. Thank
you for your time and commitment to the community,” said
Shimer.
Trustee Lori Johnson commented, “While there is no doubt
that this is a great sport, we were hesitant because of the
draw on the general fund. So I’m glad that we came to
this agreement, which doesn’t draw on the general fund.
With that said I have no hesitation for voting yes.”
While Dr. Obermeyer had been concerned about funding for the
program, at previous meetings she had also expressed concerns
about federal Title IX regulations that require a balance of
sports programs at the high school based on gender.
After the meeting Dr. Obermeyer confirmed to The Roadrunner
that adopting a boys lacrosse team at the high school does place
the high school in an imbalance.
That would mean that if a group asks the district to add a
girls program, even if it isn’t funded, the district would
probably be obliged to do so, she conceded.
