HomeMy WebLinkAbout20210767.tiffOFFICE OF BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PHONE: 970-336-7204
FAX: 970-336-7233
1150 O STREET
P.O. BOX 758
GREELEY, COLORADO 80632
March 10, 2021
The Honorable Jared Polis
Governor
State of Colorado
Via Email: govemorpolis@state.co.us
Rhonda Blanford-Green
CHSAA Commissioner
Colorado High School Activities Association
Via Email: rblanfordgreen@chsaa.org
Dear Governor Polis, Ms. Ryan and Ms. Blanford-Green,
Jill Hunsaker Ryan
Executive Director
CO Dartment of Public Health and Environment
Via Email: jill.ryan@state.co.us
During this morning's meeting, residents and school board members from the Briggsdale School District
addressed the Weld County Board of Commissioners and pled for the board's assistance in an issue that has
touched this northern Weld County community deeply.
For the second year in a row, the Briggsdale Girls Basketball team has made it to the finals — they are
currently the number 1 seed in their division (1A). And for the second year in a row, their hard work and
determination are in danger of succumbing to COVID-19 and the health -related restrictions that continue to
damage our youth.
On March 6, 2021, the Briggsdale Girls Baskeball Team played a game against an opposing team. Both teams
took all CDPHE and CHSAA required precautions, including mask wearing on and off the court.
On March 8, 2021, the Briggsdale team was informed that a player from that opposing team had tested
positive for COVD-19, effectively threatening to end the hard work of the Briggsdale team days before their
potential Cinderella moment at the state basketball tournament to be held tomorrow, March 11.
None of the athletes on the Briggsdale team are exhibiting any symptoms nor have tested positive for
COVID-19; yet, through no fault of their own, their punishment will be the same as if they had - they are
being denied the chance to reach their goals.
It is no secret that the impacts of COVID-19 and the associated health -related restrictions are causing our
youth mental and emotional stress.
A study conducted by the Stanford Graduate School of Education and NBC News states:
GomMuft: Co.. -1- :o ✓1S
3 /17 /21
2021-0767
• The results show that nationwide, 56% of all students reported an increase in stress during the
COVED -19 pandemic. Black and Latino students showed an even higher rate, at 63%.
• The study states that 42% of students say they're more disengaged.
https://www.9news.com/article/news/edueationlcov id-pandem ic-study-impact-high-school-students/73-
9a9b28c2-c4cc-41c2-bfc8-41066e67a99c
The study concludes by stating, "The data presented here paint a concerning picture of high school students'
well-being...during the pandemic." This should concern us all.
It is no secret that the health impacts of COVID-19 on school -aged youth are often minimal as they are best
equipped to recover from any symptoms of the virus.
It is also no secret that anytime a mother or father permits their child to engage in sports, they do so knowing
the potential risks, be that a sprained ankle, a jammed finger, or catching a cold. The point is, family members
along with their children make decisions based on their needs, desires and calculated risks. Perhaps this is
even more true during this pandemic. No parent wants to see their child hurt, and no parent wants to see their
child denied an opportunity.
When looking at the health of a child, one must look holistically. No one can appreciate more the desire to
protect a child than that child's parent. But when looking at protecting children, we must look at protecting
their physical health, their mental health and their emotional health.
Disallowing this team, or frankly, any high school team in the same situation, the opportunity to improve their
physical, mental and emotional health is a disservice to these kids that frankly, we as the Board of County
Commissioners are not supportive of.
We implore you to relax your guidelines and to allow these athletes the chance to reach their goal; to realize
their dream. We implore you to give them the opportunity to find a bright spot— a silver lining, if you will —
in an otherwise dark I2 months.We ask you to let them play.
Time is of the essence, and a prompt response is greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
c K. James, Pro Tem
cptiatiA
Perry L. Buck
Steve Moreno, Chair
C: Rick Mondt, Briggsdale Superintendent and Athletic Director
Lori Saine
Hello