April 13, 2005
In light of the legislation proposed yesterday by Representative Pat Verschoore of Rock Island, the Illinois High School Association Board of Directors has released the following statement today:
Since its inception in 1900, the Illinois High School Association has been a voluntary organization of and for principals. Principals who through the past century have worked on behalf of students across Illinois and represented their best interests. Principals who have been able to draft, pass, enact, and enforce their own rules and policies to govern interscholastic competition. Principals who have been able to support one another and the association's mission, even when divided on certain issues. Principals who have been able to develop and follow fair and appropriate procedures to make and appeal decisions. And most importantly, principals who have been mindful of the responsibilities entrusted to them by their communities and who have continually acted in good faith to enrich the educational experience for their student bodies.
As a result, the IHSA's Board of Directors continues to believe that member school principals are best equipped to oversee the operations of the association. The legislation proposed by Representative Verschoore would take away the ability of member school principals to have any voice in the governance of their own association. The IHSA has been able to function and flourish over the years thanks in part to the commitment its members have had as voluntary members to the organization. It is this freedom of association that has been the unifying link of the IHSA from one generation of principals to another throughout our existence; it is this freedom of association that must be protected.
Therefore, the IHSA's Board of Directors is urging member school administrators, school boards, coaches, athletic booster clubs, and other member school supporters to contact their respective State Representatives and State Senators to voice their opposition to House Bill 2007. A list of addresses and phone numbers for all state legislators can be accessed online at www.ilga.gov.