Garrison-Max co-op talks open up but “Why now?”
BY TYSON SMEDSTAD
A Garrison-Max co-op possibility is back on the table.
A meeting was called by the Max School Board and backed by Max parents Aug. 2.
Max School has asked to reopen the co-op discussion for the 2021-22 school year.
“We need a co-op to facilitate these (football and spring season) sports,” Max Athletic Director Lesli Talbott said.
This current fall season, 11 students from Max went out for football. That included varsity and junior high players.
“This is the highest number Max has had in the six years I’ve been here,” Garrison Superintendent Nick Klemisch said.
Talbott reached out to all 11 students and families to see if they’d like to continue playing football and keep the co-op going. All responded ‘yes.’
“100 percent of the players would like to continue playing for Garrison and they had really nice things to say about the program this year,” Talbott said.
The students also reportedly said they enjoy playing with the same teammates they’ve been with since first and second grade.
“The co-op started around 1985. We just wanted to reach out and see the co-op between the two schools could continue for football and spring sports,” Talbott asked.
Garrison Board member Brian Rime said, “I think we need to talk as a board. I think it’s already been decided when we voted last time. So that’s the biggest thing. But I think for spring sports there’s an opportunity possible, especially if we can do something with Turtle Lake/Underwood.”
