School Panel Keeps No-Pass, No-Play Rule

Wed., Feb. 24, 1999

From Staff

Students in Spokane public schools will still have to pass all classes to participate in sports, band and other extracurricular activities.

A committee of educators and coaches voted Tuesday to keep the no-pass, no-play policy in effect, said Randy Ryan, District 81 activities coordinator.

The rule, in effect since fall 1997, is criticized by some coaches, athletes, parents and educators for unfairly eliminating struggling students.

Before, students were allowed to fail a class and keep playing.

Now students with failing grades are allowed to continue practicing with their teams, but they can’t participate in contests until their grade is raised.

Ryan said Tuesday’s vote was not unanimous. But because the committee isn’t a public body, he wouldn’t say how many of its nine members dissented.

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