Dear students and parents,
I want you to be aware that the Washington County Department of Health has recently released a statement that they will not endorse the reinstatement of high-risk fall and winter athletic programs. As a former athlete and coach, first, know that I recognize how heartbreaking this is for our Hudson Falls student-athletes.
Sport is an integral part of quality education. The HFCSD Board of Education is committed to all co-curricular programs and athletics as an essential part of our teaching and learning for all students. Yet, I also recognize that programs that are not run in a manner that is safe and of the highest quality could result in further damage. Therefore, it is important that you know that I endorse the decision made by the County Health officials. I recognize that a new, highly contagious variant of COVID is in our region. I know that we have reached the highest levels of infection rates in our County and that the Department of Health is stretched to meet all tracking, tracing, and medical needs of the community.
We know this is a big disappointment for our student-athletes, families, and our greater school community. But the health and safety of our players and coaches come first. I will support and follow this decision by the county.
In addition, your coaches, Athletic Director, Principals, and I will remain committed to continue to provide after school conditioning programs and options for small cohorts of winter and fall sports teams to meet with coaches. Most importantly we will look forward to opportunities in the future to safely organize athletic programs for our student-athletes.
Sincerely,
Jon Hunter, Interim Superintendent