Grace Kirchner, Leader Correspondent
A teacher’s schedule change could hobble a popular running club in the Clintonville School District.
Dozens of running club members wore their orange shirts to last week’s Board of Education meeting to show their support for the club and leader/founder Karen Petermann. There are about 125 students in the club, which is funded through donations and fundraisers.
Petermann currently arrives at Rexford/Longfellow Elementary School about 6 a.m. The students run from 6:30-7:30 a.m. and then eat a healthy breakfast together. Petermann then goes to her first-hour class at Rexford/Longfellow.
Under a proposed schedule change for the next school year, however, Petermann would have her first class at 8 a.m. at Clintonville High school, not giving her enough time to lead the group she formed.
Several parents urged the board to find a way to ensure Petermann can continue with the club.
Grandparent Marty Miller said that all of the kids in the running club are winners.
“The joy in their eyes is unbelievable,” he said.
Jody Carrico, a parent and coach, said a suggestion to move the club to the high school would not work, because the equipment there is not the right size for the younger students, who would also need to be transported back to the elementary school.
She also said the club would not be able to meet after school because many of the coaches would not be available then. She pleaded with the board to reconsider Petermann’s schedule change.
Because the issue was not on the April 27 meeting agenda, the board was unable to take any action. President Ben Huber, however, said members would discuss the issue in the future.