Re-classify schools

Private-school sports should be in their own classifications. Small-town schools can’t compete with private schools from the large metropolitan areas; the population and resources are an astronomical advantage for private schools. Private schools are detrimental to the public schools that are in close proximity and to schools that are in the same conference with them.

For example, Springdale and HarBer both had a 1-9 record because of the parasitic nature of private schools. Because of the “Competitive Equity Factor” implemented this year, two private schools were added to 6A West, expanding it to a 10-team conference. So, a 0-10 Siloam Springs team not only had to play Pulaski Academy and Little Rock Christian, losing by 47 and 55 points, they lost the option of playing two non-conference games with teams on their level. It is disheartening to see Hackett lose in the volleyball championship game to Baptist Prep from a city 250 times the size.

The big five private schools are 49-3 against public schools in football, and all are ranked in the top in the state.

The concern should be fair play and equitable classification for public schools, not the dominance of private schools. There are plenty of small private schools to have their own classification, and the larger schools should create their own association with schools from Oklahoma (they have a private school problem there too) or other states.

VERNON RUSSELL

Uniontown