Lamar RE-2 announces update on boys’ volleyball consideration for LHS

Lamar School District RE-2

210 West Pearl Street Lamar, Colorado  81052

Phone:  (719) 336-3251 Fax:  (719) 336-2817

January 13, 2026

Update on Boys’ Volleyball Consideration at Lamar High School

Dear Students and Parents,

Thank you to the families and community members who engaged in recent conversations regarding athletic opportunities at Lamar High School. Community interest and advocacy are an important part of how potential program additions are brought forward for consideration.

At its January 7, 2026 meeting, the Lamar RE-2 Athletic Review Committee (ARC) reviewed a request to consider the addition of boys’ volleyball at Lamar High School. This request was brought forward by a parent and a prospective coach. As part of the review process, the ARC examined results from a student interest survey administered to students in grades 6-12, current athletic participation data, and guidance from district legal counsel regarding Title IX considerations.

The student survey indicated interest in boys’ volleyball during the spring season. The same survey also showed comparable interest among female students in girls’ flag football during the fall season. Legal guidance made clear that adding a boys’ sport without a corresponding girls’ opportunity could raise Title IX concerns. When participation numbers were reviewed, the ARC determined that the district does not currently have sufficient participation capacity to add another girls’ sport without negatively impacting existing programs, including softball and girls’ volleyball, particularly at the junior varsity level.

After careful consideration of all available information, the ARC unanimously recommended that boys’ volleyball not be added at this time based on current conditions.

We recognize that decisions like this can be disappointing for some families. Please know that student interest data was reviewed thoughtfully and that the ARC’s responsibility is to ensure athletic opportunities remain equitable, sustainable, and supportive of existing programs.

Thank you for your continued support of Lamar High School athletics and for your engagement in the process.

Sincerely,

ARC Members: Jared Penaflor, Kelli Gaines, Jill Bellomy, Shannon O’Bryan

LHS Athletic Director: Chris Medina

LMS Athletic Director: Dayne Eaton 

Superintendent: Chad Krug