The dissenting vote in the decision was School Board Member James Whitt, who wanted to save the middle school athletic program in favor of other revenue generating ideas. He says participation in sports is a great opportunity for young people to learn responsibility and teamwork. He says the school spirit gained by being on an official school team is unique and cannot be gained in the same way through an intramural program.

"For many of those young people, that may be the only time they will participate to wear a school uniform - which is a different situation than say an intramural program."

Whitt says the school board will expand an intramural program to include more sports such as volleyball, basketball and track and will bring in 6th graders who currently don't participate in any programs.

The board also discussed cuts to the choir programs but in the end the junior high before and after school choir was spared. It does face some changes that district officials say will save money.

The Boonville School District is also considering changes to its athletic program. The school board has proposed merging seventh and eighth grade sports with ninth grade and junior varsity teams but hasn't made a final decision yet. © Copyright 2012, KBIA