TO THE EDITOR:

Joe Nathan, Center for School Change, Humphrey Institute, University of Minnesota, is a well respected figure in the education circles of Minnesota and about the nation. I think he is off base, however, in his support of athletes using open enrollment to transfer to schools outside their home district. First of all, the Representative Assembly of the State High School League studied this issue for several years, held public hearings on the transfer policy, and recently voted unanimously to place limiting athletic guidelines on those who transfer after the ninth grade.

The Assembly is a representative body reflecting views from across of the state who know high school athletes and high school league competition best. The decision should best be left there.

Students who transfer for academic reasons are free to do so and if those students transfer after the 9th grade they sit out  participation in athletics for one year when they then become eligible. I think the proposed rule will make it more difficult for schools to create "super teams" through recruitment practices.

Nathan mentioned some values he felt jeopardized by the new rule. I feel there are several values driving the decision to restrict athletic transfer. Loyalty to teammates, school and community is and was important to me. Giving back to the community youth program that invested in one's early development should be honored and valued. Most importantly, any decision about attending school should be about getting the very best education possible. Extracurricular activities, though very important, are just that, extra.

Pete Boelter
North Branch