So, Duval is showing some backbone and will do away with sports to fight the budget. Maybe all the district's should so some solidarity and do the same. It would make a powerful statement. Before you freak out, consider that I’ve coached high school sports in Duval and Clay counties my entire career, coach my sons three sports a year, and know firsthand the value sports have in motivating, inspiring, and disciplining. But as an AP/AICE teacher I know academics must be first- though clearly many prioritize sports. Gene Frenette’s article in today's T-U mentioned potential lost scholarship money if Duval does away with sports for next year. But the percentage of student-athletes receiving scholarships is small. More receive Bright Futures or qualify for college via classroom endeavors.
Duval’s School Board leaders made a tough decision. People are outraged and should be. But their indignation has been conspicuously absent while legislators hacked away at the classroom and extracurricular activities like music and art- which, like exactly like sports, motivates students to attend school, keep up their GPA, etc. The fact this dramatic and unfortuntae action was required to get people upset at the war Florida lawmakers are waging on education is a sad commentary on our community’s priorities. Demand lawmakers properly fund education. Bring back sports immediately- with properly funded classrooms!
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Depending on where you have coached in Duval County, your argument may be biased. What about the inner city schools and northside schools? I'm not trying to downplay the education offered at the schools, but it's no mystery that athletics is the only thing that many of those kids have. It is the only reason they even go to school.
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