Both schools already have a cooperative involving the wrestling and soccer programs. If the schools would join in a cooperative for all sports programs, it would encompass all sports from the junior high level to varsity.

Parents voiced concerns that a cooperative would hamper the chance for their children’s opportunity to play.

“The mediocre kids no longer play extra-curricular,” said Clarion parent Paul Everett. “That’s where we’re at, our kids suffer.”

Another parent added, “We’re subsidizing C-L athletes at the expense of our kids not participating.”

However, the larger issue discussed at the meeting was the possible merger of the Clarion Area and Clarion-Limestone schools in the future.

“There is a lot more to it than the athletes of C-L,” said Clarion Area school board member Eric Funk. “Many of us feel that this is one community. I am very passionate about the fact that Clarion doesn’t need two school districts. Taxpayers especially, and students academically would benefit from one school.

“It’s more than just considerations about the 2008-09 sports year. If that was just the scope of it, I would not vote for this at any level. I think this is an opportunity to move toward one school, one community, and we need to take advantage of this when we can.”

School officials said in the current economic climate, small schools are forced to cut academic programs due to lack of funding.

“Right now, C-L is the school that is in financial trouble,” said Clarion Area school board member Jim Campbell. “Most schools in our area are not that far from being C-L.

“So whether the merger happens or doesn’t happen, we’re in OK shape, but were not that far from not being in great shape either. And with the current structure of the law, once it turns, as in C-L’s case, you can’t turn it around. And if you look long-term into Clarion Area, there is no additional funding in our future, and sooner or later cuts are going to have to start coming.”

Members of the school board believe that if both schools merge it would give students at both schools opportunities they currently don’t have.

“The fact that we as the board think a merger would be beneficial would be for the academics,” said White. “We’re both small schools, and there are things that we offer that they don’t and vice-versa. They don’t offer any AP courses; we don’t have a huge technical and agricultural department.

“One of the big benefits would be that we could have a middle school concept. But one of the biggest stumbling blocks when there is talk of a merger is the extra-curricular activities.”

Both schools had to apply to District 9 for a cooperative by April 9 for the 2008-09 school term. If District 9 approves the cooperative, it would then be examined by the PIAA.

If there is a cooperative formed, it would be in place for at least five years.