IRVINE : District Might Appeal Cheerleader Ruling

The Irvine school board could decide next week whether to fight a 4th District Court of Appeal ruling that found the district’s eligibility policy for cheerleaders to be unfair.

Last week’s court decision stemmed from a lawsuit filed by a former Woodbridge High School pep squad member who was forced off the team after her grade-point average dropped below 2.5.

District rules require that a 2.5 average out of a possible 4.0 must be maintained by cheerleaders, members of student government and others involved in extracurricular activities that run for more than one semester.

Students involved in extracurricular activities that last for one semester or less--such as football and basketball players--need only maintain a 2.0 grade-point average to remain eligible.

The appeals court last Friday said the district’s current rules were unbalanced and unfair to cheerleaders who must abide by the higher standards. The court directed the district to create a single eligibility standard for both athletes and others who participate in after-school activities.

Superintendent David E. Brown said Tuesday that the school board needs to decide whether to stand by the current rules and appeal the court’s decision or change the eligibility standards.

The school board will discuss the matter at Tuesday’s meeting. Because it is a legal matter, the item will be taken up during a closed session.

“We do not think this was the right judgment,” Brown said.

Brown stressed that the appeals court rejected contentions that the Irvine policy amounted to sexual discrimination and involved a violation of state open meeting laws.