The crux of the recently constructed realignment proposal passed the final major hurdle Friday, paving the way for its imminent implementation.
The state's superintendents approved the NIAA realignment committee's proposed emergency realignment for the 4A, 3A and Northern 2A classifications. The superintendents' approval was, for all intents and purposes, the final step needed to affect change.
The approved portions will be voted on by the NIAA board of control at its March meeting. With the superintendents' approval, the board is expected to vote those realignment plans into effect.
The Northern 1A, as well as the Southern 1A and 2A portions of the proposal were not approved.
Realignment will take affect next school year and will be in place for two years.
The key points of the approved plan, as it pertains to Northern schools, are Elko, Fallon and South Tahoe moving from the 4A to the 3A, and Wooster making the same move in football only. Additionally, Yerington will move down from the 3A to 2A.
Wooster's move in football only will mean the Colts will be independent in the sport, leaving them ineligible for postseason qualification. There was some consideration, as recently as Tuesday, that Wooster make the move across the board. That was voted down by a majority of the school's coaches.
NIAA executive director Eddie Bonine, unavailable for comment Friday, will be in communication with the Eureka County School District's Dr. Ben Zunino, the newly appointed superintendent liaison to the board of control, to discuss the 1A concerns and revision timelines.
It was unclear Friday what the issues were, and how the superintendents' disapproval may affect realignment implementation for next year.
