Cumberland School Board Allows Private Student to Play Baseball

The Cumberland County School Board may revisit board policy after allowing a private school student play middle school baseball this year.

Parent Pete Bisbee brought the issue before the board after his son was originally barred from the season.

“We were informed by Mr. Patton on February 22nd that there was no resolution to the matter,” Bisbee said. “And the only solution would be for my son to transfer schools in the middle of the school year to attend a homestead elementary school in order for him to be allowed to play baseball with his team.”

Bisbee said his son has practiced with the team since October 2018 and paid all sport fees.

“I have read the procedure manual on middle school athletics,” Bisbee said. “And no where in the 25 page document does it say anything about exclusion of private school students from public school sports.”

The policy cited TSSAA rules for co-ops, which excluded transfers and private school students from the season. The TSSAA only applies to high school level sports. Director of Schools Janet Graham said co-ops can take place but not this late in the year.

“There is a vehicle by which private school and home-school  students can co-op and can be a part of our athletic teams,” Graham said. “That policy and procedure is in place. For whatever reason it didn’t happen. It is too late for them to go in as a co-op this year.”

Board member Robert Safdie said the board previously discussed co-op policies in 2004.

“Eligibility is an important factor. We can’t discriminate against individuals,” Sadie said. “And these children are part of our county and part of our community and should have the ability and right to apply.”

Board Chairwoman Teresa Boston said the issue ultimately came down to administration.

“I do understand I am voting against for a waiver of our board policy,” Boston said. “Anybody who knows this chairman knows I don’t ever vote against board policy but you were given approval by our employees.”

The student will be eligible to play in the upcoming 2019 baseball season.