High school in Sheboygan County given sanctions by WIAA over transfer request for a student

HOWARDS GROVE, Wis. (WFRV) – A school district in Sheboygan County was reportedly handed down sanctions by WIAA ahead of finding out their playoff schedule.

The School District of Howards Grove provided a statement to Local 5 regarding a violation of a WIAA rule that resulted in sanctions. Officials say the violations stem from a transfer waiver request for a student.

The WIAA reportedly ruled that members of the school’s staff, as well as others not connected to the school, were involved and influential in the student’s attendance at Howards Grove. This apparently resulted in sanctions against the school’s volleyball program.

Officials said it was not at liberty to discus any sanctions taken on employees as a part of the violation.

Below is the full statement:

The School District of Howards Grove was found to be in violation of a WIAA membership rule after we submitted a WIAA transfer waiver request for a student.  According to the WIAA, the documentation provided by the parties connected to the student indicated that there was undue influence on the student’s attendance at Howards Grove High School.

• Undue influence is outlined in the Rules of Eligibility Article I, Section 3-A Note (p.29):  No eligibility will be granted for a student whose residence within a school’s attendance boundaries, with or without parents, or whose attendance at a school has been the result of undue influence (special consideration due to athletic ability or potential) on the part of any person, whether or not connected with the school.

The District has fully cooperated with the WIAA’s investigation, and upon request, submitted a full and complete summary of the timeline of events to the WIAA for their review.  The School District of Howards Grove remains committed to putting our student athletes first and requested minimal impact be placed on our volleyball players for things out of their control.

The final ruling from the WIAA found that members of our staff, and others not connected to the school, were found to be actively involved and influential in the student’s attendance in Howards Grove.  As a result, sanctions were put into place against our volleyball program.  The district is not at liberty to discuss any sanctions taken on employees as a part of this violation.  The District is committed to working cooperatively with the WIAA going forward to ensure compliance with all WIAA requirements.

Our girls look forward to competing in the WIAA postseason volleyball tournament later this month.  We wish them the best of luck!

School District of Howards Grove Superintendent of Schools Shannon Kilton

No additional information was provided.

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