The Burlington Board of Education deliberated this week about the possibility of introducing a permanent football team at Lewis S. Mills Regional High School for the fall 2008 season. A resolution that would have approved football for one year was voted down 5-5 when Robert Dunn, the president of the Lewis S. Mills Booster Club told the Board of Education members that the individuals who donated $120,000 to fund the football team did so with the intention of a three year commitment.
Dunn will be back on the Board of Education agenda in November and he is optimistic that any reservations will be resolved by then. "I can not support a one year approval without checking with the donors first," said Dunn. "The football booster club is uncomfortable with the one year commitment. We are looking for a three year approval."
About 30 football supporters including some potential players were in attendance as the Board of Education members discussed whether or not establish a permanent football team at the high school. Out of 10 Board of Education members, five were willing to vote for a one year trial this week. If football is approved, the $45,000 annual cost to run the program will be absorbed into the education budget four years from now. For the last three years, Lewis S. Mills Regional has played football together with St. Paul's and Goodwin Tech.


A recent policy was established in Burlington that permits new athletic programs to be established for a one year trial, with the expectation of a full evaluation before designating the program permanent.



Dunn said he can understand the hesitation from some Board of Education members but stated that he believes the booster club will continue to financially support the program, offsetting the cost.
            If approved, about 40 to 50 athletes are expected to participate in football, both a JV and a Varsity team. Dunn said the arrangements for a football practice field are getting worked out. For the first year, the football team would play all their games at other schools. Dunn said because athletic field space is tight at Lewis S. Mills Regional, there are discussions about playing more soccer games at Nassahegan Field, under the lights, to make room for football.
      For the last three years, Lewis S. Mills Regional has played football together with St. Paul's and Goodwin Tech. "The Board of Education members are making sure that the kids will not be harmed down the road," said Dunn. "The board has identified some concerns that are hanging out there. This is an important issue and they are trying to come up with the right solution. Everyone is willing to talk about it. I think things will work out."