Beech Tree News Network

The Butler County Board of Education met in special session Saturday morning at the Butler County Education Complex, approving a request for the Morgantown Archery team to attend the NASP World Tournament in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. 

The item failed to pass at Thursday’s meeting due to the lack of a second.  Board member Debbie Hammers made a motion to approve the trip to South Carolina. Board member Amy Hood  abstained due to the fact her son is a member of the archery team. Board members Ryan Daugherty nor Delbert Johnson provided a second.  Member Charles Price wasn’t present at the meeting. 

Superintendent Scott Howard said that the unexpected success of the Morgantown Elementary Archery caught the board off-guard. After gathering more information regarding liability issues like students safety and transportation to the national event, Howard said the board was able 

“Archery is booming across Butler County and we love it because so many kids are involved,” Howard said.  “You can be 100% sure no one on this board is opposed to archery. There was just a lot of information to process.” 

Morgantown Elementary Principal Chad Flener gave a testimonial about the positive impact archery has had on students, noting a positive “difference in attendance, grades and MAP scores” of students involved since the inception of the program. Board member Amy Hood abstained from voting Saturday due to ethical concerns regarding the fact her son competes on the team. Board member Debbie Hammers  made a motion to approve the measure and was seconded by Delbert Johnson. 

 The NASP World Tournament is June 24-26 at the Myrtle Beach Sports Complex. The MES Archery team will compete at the NASP National Tournament at 1 p.m. May 3 in Louisville.