SPRINGDALE — Har-Ber High School officials hope for a rules change next year to permit the debate team to compete at the collegiate level.
School District officials and students traveled to Little Rock on Oct. 26 to discuss the matter with officials of the Arkansas Activities Association, which oversees and promotes participation in interscholastic activities at member schools.
Springdale’s representatives at the meeting included Superintendent Jim Rollins, Har-Ber High Principal Dan Brackett, debate teacher and coach Ta-Neisha Marshall and two students.
At A Glance
Schedule
Har-Ber High School debate team’s schedule for 2012-13 school year:
Oct. 5: University of Arkansas at Monticello
Nov. 16-17: At John Brown University
Jan. 19-20: At University of Tennessee
Jan. 25-27: Southern Forensics Championship
Feb. 22-24: Bossier Parish (La.) Community College
March 1-3: At Louisiana State University at Alexandria
March 21-24: International Public Debate Association National Championships
Source: Springdale School District
“Everyone felt like it was a satisfactory meeting,” said Rick Schaeffer, district spokesman.
Har-Ber’s debate team for years has competed against college and university teams, and has enjoyed success. It won the national championship in 2008, Schaeffer said.
It wasn’t until earlier this year, however, the school reported to the association it competes at the higher level.
Lance Taylor, association executive director, said the team and school officials were unaware they were violating rules.
“They want to make sure they’re doing things right and want to make sure they’re following the rules,” Taylor said.
Section 3 of the association’s constitution states member schools may not participate with Arkansas schools that are not association members or with schools outside the state that are not affiliated with the National Federation of State High School Associations.
“Member schools may not participate in athletic competition (including scrimmage) with teams or individuals of any non-school groups, organizations, etc., except for charitable purposes, when such events are under school sponsorship,” according to the association constitution.
Changes to the association’s constitution are proposed each spring by school superintendents or principals. The association’s governing body then votes the following August on whether to adopt those changes.
In the meantime, Har-Ber students will be allowed to continue to compete as individuals, but not as a school team, Schaeffer said. The Har-Ber debate team has 30 members.
Marshall, the debate teacher, declined comment. She referred all questions to administrators.
Rollins said the experience debate students are having represents the highest level of learning.
“It prepares them for an excellent future no matter what career path they choose,” Rollins said. “This is an academic endeavor we take enormous pride in. We salute the work of these students and the excellent leadership being provided by their instructor, Ta-Neisha Marshall. We hope to be able to continue the opportunity for the Har-Ber debate team to compete for years to come.”