Unit 40 Board Agrees to Expand Options Regarding Cheerleading

The Effingham Unit 40 Board of Education Tuesday voted to allow EHS students to try out for either football cheerleading, basketball cheerleading, or both.

The decision follows an appearance by an EHS student before the Board last month who had cheered in football, but wanted to also try out for basketball cheerleading. Basketball cheerleading is when competitive cheerleading is offered, which is an IHSA sport. Candidates for cheer have had to choose football or basketball since the 1990s, but Board members noted, and Unit 40 Activities Director David Woltman agreed, that students can try out for multiple sports or extra-curricular activities, so why not cheerleading?

It was stipulated that when tryouts take place later this month, a student will be asked to declare whether they are trying out for basketball, football or both.

The Board also proceeded with purchases of materials for replacement carpeting for the Board office, replacement windows for the Board office building, and for roof work. The total cost is $50,227. Working cash funds will be used to pay for the purchases. The window replacement work will be done by Unit 40 staff members.

The Board expelled a student through the end of the 2015-16 school year. The student can apply for reinstatement after successfully completing tobacco counseling and stays off Unit 40 grounds untll the expulsion is lifted. If the student returns, the student will remain under principal's probation.

Board members Brian Wick and Laurie King were not present for Tuesday's meeting.