In theory, both Region 14 and Region 12 want to work together on a co-op varsity level program, and the inaugural season is supposed to begin next fall. But the issue of costs is dividing the district that serves Woodbury and Bethlehem and the one serving Washington, Roxbury and Bridgewater.
Region 14 Superintendent Dr. Robert Cronin provided an update to board members Tuesday on his conversation with Superintendent Dr. Bruce Storm in Region 12.
Region 14 has set two conditions within the co-op agreement, that Region 12 assume the insurance costs for the life of the co-op and that the boards of education meet to review the agreement at the end of the 2009-10 season to determine costs. That would be the first season if the deal can be struck.
According to Dr. Cronin, Dr. Storm didn't believe the insurance item would be a problem, but he was more reserved on the condition of meeting to discuss costs for the future of the program.
"I have always supported the football program, but my concern is we went out of our way as a board. We held a special board meeting to sit down and talk about this, and quite frankly all we asked Region 12 to do-if they were really interested in this program-was to meet and agree that they would basically set up whatever their co-op insurance was and agree to talk to us at the end of it," Region 14 board member Deborah Corisco.
The school boards in both regions have agreed to co-op in concept, Region 14 unanimously. The vote in Region 12, however, was 6 to 5 in favor of the co-op, assuming that there was no cost to Region 12.
Region 14 submitted an application May 13 for the co-op to Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference and a decision from CIAC was expected on Wednesday.
According to the minutes of the Region 14 board of Education meeting on May 7, once the co-op is established, either Region 14 or 12 may drop out at any time, and once it is established there can be no cuts made to those who want to play.
Parents within Region 12 whose children intend to play football have expressed an interest in covering insurance costs of Region 12 and other future costs that may arise. They have also provided an escrow account for such costs that is already in place.
"It does feel as if what is going on here is that we are really cooping with five or six parents, [that] I don't think is the optimal situation for us," said Ms. Corsico.
Board member Monica Gati thought the board should wait until Region 12 has its next meeting and see if the school board addresses the issue.
Board member Charles Cosgriff recommended waiting until the change of the board members in July within Region 12.
"Considering there is so much invested here, I think we really should give a positive response to the CIAC and if it turns out later this thing blows up. we can wash our hands of it" said board member Stephen Paluskas. "If we walk away from this now, there is no turning back.
Dr. Storm has asked Region 12 to put the football co-op on their agenda again to clarify the issue, but the board has declined to do so.
"My board has not really addressed that issue formally; there is no way to put it back on the agenda," said Dr. Storm during a phone interview. "It's a very complicated issue. This couldn't have come at a worst time in terms of the budget in the next two years. If it were to go forward, it would have some impact on my budget."
"I really do believe more than half the board, [that] any involvement is contingent on no expense now and forever," Dr. Storm added.