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http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News AP Entertainment Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Photo Gallery Readers Photo Gallery Sports Tempo Weather Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Distinctly Northwest Readers' Choice Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Holiday Guide Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend December 16, 2006 Castillo seeks more control over OSAA Wire and staff reports SALEM — State schools Superintendent Susan Castillo has drafted a bill to give her office more control over redistricting by the Oregon School Activities Association, which oversees prep sports. The bill would require the OSAA to seek approval from the superintendent before changing districts. Castillo said she would introduce it for the legislative session that begins in January. This year the OSAA expanded its athletic classifications from four to six. The Eugene, Medford and Salem-Keizer school districts challenged the reclassification, claiming it was unsafe and would cause hardship for students — including lost class time — because of the need for increased travel. North and South Medford high schools moved from a 4A classification to 6A. The city of Medford objected to being placed in a new conference with two Eugene schools. "We are supportive of Superintendent Castillo's proposal," said Doug Jantzi, secondary education director of the Medford School District. "We actually thought it was already a rule based on a recent House bill that put the OSAA under the review of the state school Board of Education. This is part of the basis in our appeal that OSAA did not go through the required approval from the state Board of Education in making the new classifications and leagues." Advertisement Castillo approved the changes this summer but sympathized with the concerns of the districts that challenged reclassification. "For me, as we were caught in this debate, it became very clear that there was strong concern about the effects on the academic schedule, the physical impact on the districts in terms of travel, and the effect on students themselves," Castillo said Friday. Castillo said her intention is not to take anything from the OSAA, but rather to clarify her role and prioritize reclassification criteria. "I'm not interested in taking over the decisions. That's not my goal here. But I do want some clarity," she said. "I need to have a very clear role on what I am able to do when it comes to this situation." The OSAA did not immediately reply to a request for comment. The OSAA moved to six classes in an effort to improve competitive balance. For example, schools with an enrollment of more than 901 students were in Class 4A, meaning a school with an enrollment of 902 was in the same class as schools with student bodies of 2,000 or more. Larger schools have a greater number of potential players and talent, and therefore a greater chance at success. Would you like to respond to this story? If so Click Here to visit our forums. Advertisement Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems Online Casino Reviews Men's Clothing Fundraisers UK Homeowner Loans Discount Hotel Reservations Send Flowers Casinos Canada Texas Electric Choice Compare Electric rates in Texas Windermere Van Vleet Trunks, Footlocker Online poker at AbsolutePoker.com