Annawan CUSD 226

Dear Annawan School Community,

Last month, the Annawan Board of Education heard from parents and community members regarding concerns about a girls’ basketball co-op with Wethersfield Schools. We value this feedback and want to provide the community with additional context as the Board continues its discussions.

The current Titans co-op has been beneficial to both districts and has been viewed positively. Athletic co-ops are designed to provide extracurricular opportunities for students that may not otherwise be available, while allowing each school to remain separate and independent. At present, our co-op includes outdoor sports that require larger participation numbers: football, cross country, golf, softball, baseball, and track.

Historically, Annawan has offered indoor sports such as basketball and volleyball independently, as these sports typically require fewer participants to field teams. However, recent participation numbers—particularly in girls’ basketball—have challenged this landscape. This past season, low numbers resulted in the cancellation of the girls’ basketball, prompting the Board and administration to explore a possible co-op with Wethersfield in order to preserve opportunities for our student-athletes.

When considering a co-op, several important factors must be evaluated:

• Benefit to both schools: Any co-op must create improved opportunities for students in both districts.
• Participation numbers: Forecasting future numbers is critical. A co-op should not reduce opportunities by creating teams that are too large.
• Time commitment: Both districts currently transport students daily for practices and games. The 12-mile distance between Annawan and Wethersfield schools is approximately 20 minutes each way, which impacts family time and homework schedules.
• School identity: While we are proud of the Titans co-op, both districts value their individual identities—the Braves/Bravettes and the Geese/Lady Geese. Preserving school tradition and pride remains important.
• Logistics and cost: Transportation, scheduling, staffing, and financial considerations must be carefully evaluated.

A joint co-op committee composed of board members and administrators from both districts has examined these factors in depth.

At the most recent Board meeting, multiple perspectives were shared regarding the best path forward for girls’ basketball and other indoor sports. Below is a summary of projected high school participation numbers for Annawan-only teams, Wethersfield-only teams, and a combined co-op:

Annawan’s projections for these 3 sports continues below without Wethersfield’s or Co-op projections.

These projections clearly indicate that girls’ basketball remains an area of concern. To better understand the long-term outlook, junior high participation numbers were also reviewed:

These projections are the same data currently being reviewed by both the joint co-op committee and the Board of Education. It is important to remember that the purpose of a co-op is to increase opportunities for student-athletes at both schools. Additionally, IHSA co-op agreements are approved in two-year cycles. There is no permanent co-op; each agreement must be reviewed and renewed every two years.

As the Board continues to evaluate the best path forward, parent and guardian input is important. Next week, the district will email a short survey to parents/guardians regarding the current state and possible expansion of our co-op agreement to sports that we currently offer as Annawan only sports with Wethersfield Schools. Please ensure your email address is up to date in TeacherEase.

If you need to update your contact information, please contact:
• Lin Ebbert (Elementary/Junior High): 309-935-6623
• Amanda Kuelper (High School): 309-935-6781

Thank you for your continued engagement and support as we work to provide meaningful opportunities for our students.

Sincerely,

Jamie Bryan
Superintendent, Annawan Schools