School Board vote throws Dufur Sports Partnership into Limbo, Raises Community Concerns

Abstention by North Wasco County Board Members Dayna Wynn-Elledge and David Jones and two absences sends decades-long cooperative sports agreement between D21 and Dufur School District into turmoil.

CCCNews Staff Report

THE DALLES, Ore., March 6, 2025 —During a North Wasco County School District board meeting on February 27, a longstanding sports cooperation agreement with neighboring Dufur School District faced unexpected hurdles, causing concern among coaches, students, and families in both communities.

Kurt Evans

The agreement, which for nearly three decades allowed students from Dufur to play baseball and softball at The Dalles High School, met resistance this year from some board members who questioned its impact on local students' opportunities.

The Dalles High School principal Kurt Evans and head baseball coach Pat Clark argued strongly in favor of the arrangement, emphasizing that participation from Dufur students is essential to maintaining adequate numbers for both varsity and junior varsity teams. Without the agreement, the coaches warned, fewer local students might get playing time due to insufficient team numbers.

“We see this as a win-win for everyone involved,” Coach Clark explained. “Without these additional players, our own students could lose opportunities. We might be forced to eliminate junior varsity teams, which negatively impacts all our athletes.”

Superintendent Dr. Carolyn Bernal highlighted the district's history of successful cooperation with smaller neighboring districts and expressed support for renewing the agreement. “Historically, this partnership has been very positive and has provided essential opportunities to students,” she stated.

Despite these arguments, procedural complications resulted in confusion during the vote. Directors Judy Richardson, Adrian Lopez, and John Nelson supported the agreement, but with two abstentions and two absences, the motion failed to secure the necessary four votes. An initial miscount mistakenly recorded the motion as approved during the meeting, adding to the frustration and confusion.

The decision was met with immediate disappointment by the coaching staff and is anticipated to cause frustration among athletes and parents in both Dufur and The Dalles. Coaches fear the decision could leave Dufur students without a spring sports opportunity and significantly disrupt team planning.

Student representatives voiced their support for the cooperative arrangement, stressing the positive experiences and broader participation it allows. “It gives more students a chance to play,” one representative noted, expressing concern about potential negative impacts from the board's decision.

The matter is expected to return to the agenda at the March board meeting, where coaches and parents hope clarity and resolution will allow the agreement to continue, preserving the collaborative spirit of high school sports in North Wasco County.