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Why Manawa’s student section was moved

School board discusses gym seating

By Holly Neumann


The Manawa School Board discussed moving the student section in the gym after a heated Nov. 30 boys’ basketball game between Manawa and Iola-Scandinavia.

At a Dec. 17 meeting, board member Russ Johnson asked why this decision was made.

According to Dr. Melanie Oppor, some of the adult Iola visitors felt that they could not see because the students were standing during the game.

“They felt that this was rude and that the kids should sit down,” said Oppor.

At halftime, the high school principal, Dan Wolfgram, asked the student body to move to the corner of the gym.

“I don’t mind if the students stay in the same section that they were in,” said Wolfgram. “But if they do, they have to sit. If they want to stand I would prefer that they move to the corner as to not obstruct anyone’s view.”

Wolfgram said he subsequently received notes from two Iola parents and three or four from Manawa parents, thanking him for making the students move.

“I know the students are upset that they have to be in the corner,” said Wolfgram. “But, I also feel that we are the hosts and we want to be a good host. We want to make it an enjoyable experience for not only our home fans but also our visiting fans as well.”

Wolfgram noted that the district is in the process of ordering signs for the gym.

“This way it is clear when our guests come not to sit behind the student section, as it will be marked,” he said. “And the students will know where they should sit and where they shouldn’t.”

Wolfgram reiterated that it was really a matter of visibility and safety, and it was best interest of the students to be moved down.

Johnson voiced concerns that the students feel as though they are being punished.

“I want to make sure that we are looking out for our students, too,” said Johnson. “I don’t want to give in to what happened, because of another school.”

“I want to give them an opportunity to stand and cheer the whole game without having to worry about heckling from either our own parents, or the visiting crew,” Wolfgram replied. “This protects our students better than if they stayed where they were.”

Students in grades 7-12 were informed of the decision during their homeroom activities.

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