School Districts discontinue facility use until local COVID numbers decrease

A recent spike in local COVID-19 cases has temporarily closed KCSD and KFCS outside facility use to non-district groups such as Klamath County Pop Warner and the Klamath Basin Passing League. (Image, Brian Gailey, Klamath Falls News)

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. - Due to a spike in local COVID-19 cases, the Klamath County School District and Klamath Falls City Schools have temporarily discontinued all outside facility use by non-district groups including Pop Warner Football.

Under state guidelines, the recent number of cases reported by the county could have sent all students attending in-person classes back to online learning only. With support from Klamath County Public Health, students already attending in-person were allowed to continue.

“I hope people understand that our focus is on keeping schools open and getting more students back in school,” said Klamath County School District Superintendent Glen Szymoniak.

Szymoniak has submitted a new metrics proposal to the state that, if approved, would allow all Klamath County students to return to in-person learning. The proposal included a letter of support from Klamath County Public Health and assurance from the district that all COVID-19 guidance was being followed.

“In light of that, we need to be doing everything we can to reduce the number of county cases,” Szymoniak said. “We want our actions consistent with steps that will make that happen.”

The district announced last week that all facility-use agreements would be discontinued as of Sunday, October 18. Groups including community-sponsored youth sports teams have been using district facilities for practices and games. Not all users were following COVID-19 safety rules and the district was not able to ensure that state guidance was being followed.

KCSD expects to reopen its facilities to outside groups as soon as the county’s COVID-19 rate is no longer a threat that could close schools and people using district facilities are respecting efforts to get students back in school by following the safety guidelines, including wearing face coverings and limiting gathering sizes.

“I appreciate the activities being offered for our students, and I want kids to be active. We are looking for ways for this to happen,” Szymoniak said.

The latest county case rates are looking better, and the district has scheduled meetings with facility users this week.

When reached for comment KFCS did not provide as much information as officials from KCSD but did issue a statement from Dr. Paul Hillyer, Superintendent of Klamath Falls City Schools.

“We want kids back in school. To accomplish this we do not want to be a part of causing gatherings of 250 people,” said Dr. Hillyer.

Pop Warner reacts

With the announcement from KCSD and KCFS, as of right now, Klamath Basin Pop Warner and the Klamath Basin Passing league are working to find locations to finish the last few weeks of the season. This season the leagues have previously played at Klamath Union, Mazama, and Hosanna.

“We are looking many options such as at Kiger Stadium, Merrill Civic Center, and others; but each location has its own challenges,” said Paul Northcutt, President of Klamath Basin Pop Warner. “Whether it be lights, or spectator space, room to social distance all the other locations have some sort of issues.”

Northcutt stated that at the beginning of the year when it looked like no sports were going to happen, he and his team were constantly looking for opportunities for kids to have athletic competition. So the kids could experience some sense of normalcy in this crazy year. Fortunately, they were able to put together flag football and 7-on-7 for the youth.

Northcutt emphasized that the kids are having a good time at practice and at games. They are grinning ear to ear and quite possibly playing something that they may not normally be accustomed to - like the linemen playing as a receiver running deep for a pass.

More importantly, the kids are out getting exercise, socializing with their friends, and not being stuck in their rooms playing Xbox. Many of these kids need this, they are struggling with online school, can’t see their friends; sports becomes their outlet.

“I have received positive comments from High School Athletic Directors, coaches, parents, and kids - kids have absolutely loved, the chance to get outside, and to do something,” said Northcutt. “I told one administrator, that they are physically starving for activity. We want to stay safe, we want to follow the rules, but we have to have something because we have tried nothing and it’s not working. We have to get outside, we have to get some sunshine and we have to get to work a little bit in order to feel good.”

Sometimes the sport is just as important as academics. If it were not for sports, many kids would not make it through school.

Councilman Andres takes a stand

On Monday, Klamath Falls City Councilman Todd Andres issued a statement during the councils’ weekly business meeting asking that the districts to please reconsider the decision.

“Our local youth need this type of activity and some return to normalcy” stated Andres.  “Not only for physical health; but more importantly for their mental health.  Discontinuing this activity could result in other unintended results.”

Andres's full remarks are below.

I enjoy serving my community. This is where I have chosen to call home, because I love it here.  Many of you know me as one of your city councilors, but I also am involved in many other activities.  One of the things I enjoy, is officiating high school sports.  I guess I am a “glutton for punishment” J. Recently, through the local Pop Warner program, I have been involved in a football passing league, where youth ages 6 to 18 have an opportunity to get out and experience a form of the game, interact with others, and get some much needed exercise. 

This past Friday, as I was preparing to officiate one of my assigned games, I was informed both the City and County School Districts will no longer allow the Pop Warner program to use any of their facilities for this activity.  I was also informed the high school level programs would need to discontinue.  No reason was expressed for the change; but I assume it has to do with safety and liability concerns the district has with the COVID-19 pandemic.   Pop Warner will now need to scramble to find other athletic fields, not associated with either school district, so they can continue their efforts without the high school aged participation.

Although I will not judge either school district for this action, I must ask them to reconsider this decision.  Our local youth need this type of activity and some return to normalcy.  Not only for physical health; but more importantly for their mental health.  Discontinuing this activity could result in other unintended results.

Currently, with the COVID-19 shutdown, national suicide rates and drug overdoses for youth have skyrocketed.  Currently 25% of our youth nationally have considered or made a plan for suicide. This is the second-leading cause of death for this age group.  These new numbers have dwarfed any impact COVID-19 has had with the 0 to 19 age group.  To address this concern, national experts are encouraging parents to find new hobbies and physical activity opportunities to boost mental health.  They indicate this activity is critical to combat the new suicide surge.   I believe we cannot ignore these facts. They reinforce the importance of Pop Warner, and other similar program activity within our community.  I am strongly encouraging our locally elected school boards to review this decision and find a solution so this important activity can continue at their facilities.  “No” is too easy of an answer.  We need to find a way to “Yes” with safety concerns being considered.

I understand I may face criticism from others who have a different believe.  Some will also say, what is a City Councilor getting involved in a minor issue.  As a leader in our community, I will accept all criticism but I don’t see this as a minor issue.  I have seen the faces of the kids, parents and coaches.  They need this outlet.  The mental and physical health of our youth is critical for our future as a community.   We DO need to open our schools safely as soon as possible.  We DO need to wash our hands often, social distance, and wear a mask when appropriate.  We also NEED to take care of our future generation both physically and mentally.

Last, the suicide prevention hotline is 1-800-273-TALK .  If you need help, reach out, you matter!!! 

A meeting is scheduled between Pop Warner and the School Districts for Thursday, October 21, 2020, to see if common ground can be found allowing the student-athletes to finish the last few games while allowing the school districts to follow the metrics.