Gulfport School District will forfeit athletic events with Jackson County School District this Fall

On Tuesday, August 25, Jackson County School District Superintendent Dr. John Strycker received written communication from Gulfport Superintendent Glen East of Gulfport’s decision not to compete against JCSD this fall for health and safety reasons due to Gulfport School District’s opinion that COVID-19 protocols between the two districts are not the same.

“I respect Gulfport’s decision as we are all acting in the best interest of our students, staff, athletes, and school communities,” said Dr. Strycker. “It is our understanding that the Gulfport School District leaders do not feel that our COVID-19 protocol is consistent with their school district, and therefore, do not want their athletes to compete against ours,” continued Strycker.

Jackson County School District Board President, Troy Frisbie, clarified, “Our school district follows all local, state, and federal mandates, laws, and Executive Orders to ensure the safety and well-being of our students, COVID-19 related or not.”

Jackson County School officials are in communication with the Mississippi High School Athletic Association to confirm that the competitions with Gulfport are indeed actual forfeits and to seek permission to schedule other teams in place of Gulfport so that JCSD student athletes can compete as much as possible.

“These are unprecedented times with no exact playbook to follow. We are all doing our best and care deeply for our students, staff, and communities’ safety. We just want to move forward and let our students compete,” said Strycker.