Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Student Council president objects to school's decision

Some senior members of the Gurdon High School football team will be able to walk at homecoming despite a rule in the schools student handbook that says they cant.

During its meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 25, the Gurdon School Board refused a request by GHS student council president Jennifer Nolan to reverse a decision by Superintendent Bobby Smithson allowing the team members to participate in homecoming. Nolans argument was based on a handbook rule that says only those senior members of the football team that have played senior high ball for two years before becoming eligible to participate in the event.

According to Nolan, three football players who do not meet the handbook requirements are being allowed to participate in homecoming which is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 5. She asked that the school board enforce the rules are they are written to avoid opening the door for more rules to be broken.

Im the culprit, Smithson said when asked by Nolan who approved the departure from the rules. Were going to catch more flack if we dont let them participate than if we do.

Smithson said he based his decision to allow the boys to participate on the fact that they were heavily recruited during the summer by Head Coach John Pace. He said it is important to reward the boys for coming out.

I remember when the rule was written and the circumstances, he said. Its a poor, poor rule.

Nolan refused to back down stating that this precedent could cause many boys to quit football only to return their senior year so that they can walk a girl at homecoming. She said it is not fair to those who have put in two or more years of senior high football in order to qualify.

Wheres their reward?, she asked. The handbook is put there for a reason, and we should abide by it.

Nolan said that if the boys who come out only for their senior year want recognition, they receive it on senior night which is typically held on the last home game of the year.

School board member Mark Sanford said he agreed with Smithsons action. The more people we can get participating in anything ... Im all for it.

Anita Shaver, who was elected to the board this month, voiced her opposition to Smithsons actions.

I think youre setting a precedent, she said. The rule may be a bad rule, bit Im worried about setting a precedent of bending rules to certain situations.

Board member Gina Robbins told Nolan that if she wanted to start controversy she should argue for a homecoming for each of the schools sports so that those who have participated for two years could be recognized. The damage has kind of already been done.