Saugus schools bar non-public students from co-curricular programs

SAUGUS-The School Committee is instituting a new version of and old co-curricular policy that essentially states if you are not a student in the Saugus Public Schools then you can take your ball and go home.The committee had a first reading of the proposed policy that would prohibit charter and private school students, students from any other educational facility or students who elected to withdraw permanently from the district from participating in any co-curricular activities. Those activities include sports, drama, chorus, the chess club or any other after school activity.Policy Subcommittee Chairman Christine Wilson said the district had a policy on the issue, but it felt it needed to be spelled out more clearly. And, she added, the committee was unanimous in the decision.”If you’re not a student of the Saugus Public Schools you cannot participate in co-curricular or athletic activities,” she said.When asked why, Wilson said it is primarily a liability issue.”If something happened, we wouldn’t be covered,” she said.There are also Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association rules, Wilson added, that govern who can and can’t compete in various sports.Wilson said the issue isn’t a big one. She said there have only been a few requests over the last few years, but she feels it is an important one.The committee will have a second reading of the policy then vote the issue at its next meeting on Sept. 25. Anyone who would like to comment on the policy should contact the School Committee at the administration building at 781-231-5000.