Task force conducts first conference realignment application review

The WIAA’s Conference Realignment Task Force assembled and reviewed 14 applications in the first meeting under the new realignment process Dec. 11 at the Executive Staff office in Stevens Point.

The schools requesting relief from their current conference affiliation, included Ashland, Campbellsport, Cristo Rey Jesuit, Delavan-Darien, Eastbrook Academy, Faith Christian (Williams Bay), St. Anthony, St. Croix Falls, Salam, Tenor, University Lake School, Veritas, West De Pere and Westfield.

Nine of the 14 applications received unanimous approval from all schools directly impacted by the request and will be fast tracked to the WIAA’s Board of Control for approval at its meeting on March 6. Those applications on the fast track are from Cristo Rey Jesuit, Eastbrook Academy, Faith Christian (Williams Bay), St. Anthony, St. Croix Falls, Salam, Tenor, University Lake School and Veritas.

The Task Force has denied, pending possible appeals to be heard Jan. 8, requests from Ashland, Campbellsport, Delavan-Darien, West De Pere and Westfield. In review and consideration of each of these requests, the Task Force identified incomplete or deficient information provided in the application as rationale for denial.

The Task Force will reconvene on Jan. 8 to hear appeals from schools that had their requests denied, as well as receive input from member schools impacted by the results of the review. Successful appeals will be communicated with the membership and re-evaluated by the Task Force. If the revised solutions are approved, they will be submitted to the Board of Control for consideration with any modifications and solutions communicated to the membership.

The intent of the new conference realignment process is to apply a more formalized method for member schools to request relief from conference affiliations. A committee of member school administrators has been established to evaluate all realignment requests and present them to the board, which retains the authority to make final determinations of all conference alignment decisions.

The new collaborative model adds structure, enhanced communication and transparency to the realignment process. All levels of school administration at each member school are informed of the committee’s deliberations and decisions.

The conference realignment webpage containing all information regarding realignment requests is accessible on the Conference Realignment “Requests and Proposals” page on the WIAA website.