5 minutes ago, Hydration-coach83 said:

I didn't think schools had the ability to request movement—up or down—in classification. Then again, considering the “randomness” of a number like a 1.35 multiplier, it does make you wonder what conversations are happening behind closed doors that ultimately shape outcomes for everyone.

I think the conversations happening are "we have the 1.35 anti-private school multiplier approved" and next we go after the independent schools with a 1.35 multiplier and then we double stack the second multiplier on the private schools because they are independent too. 

6 minutes ago, theguru said:

I think the conversations happening are "we have the 1.35 anti-private school multiplier approved" and next we go after the independent schools with a 1.35 multiplier and then we double stack the second multiplier on the private schools because they are independent too. 

You might be on to something hahahaha.

Just now, Hydration-coach83 said:

You might be on to something hahahaha.

Haters are gonna hate..

1 hour ago, Hydration-coach83 said:

Jason Frakes recently posted on X that several schools submitted requests regarding the football realignment for the 2027–28 cycle. I’m really curious what those requests included. Did any schools request to move up in classification, or was it mostly schools asking to move down?

That's all public.

https://khsaa.org/2027-and-2028-football-alignment-compiled-feedback/

On behalf of Bethlehem High School, I am submitting the following response to the recently announced 2027 and 2028 Football Reclassification plan. As you know, Bethlehem High School is a Christ-centered college preparatory school built upon Catholic teachings.

Utilizing the 1.35 multiplier, which forms the basis for the reclassification plan, Bethlehem High School is to move up to Class AA for the 2027 and 2028 football seasons. Bethlehem High School was one of eight private schools which is to be reclassified based on the multiplier.

The reclassification plan is deficient and problematic on several grounds:

1. The Board of Control has articulated that the motivation behind the use of the multiplier is to "level the playing field" between private and public schools due to the perceived advantage private schools have in [redacted] student-athletes regardless of a student's residence. If this is the true motivation for the use of the multiplier, the reclassification plan must apply the multiplier to independent city schools, which utilize open enrollment and/or allow non-resident students to attend with the payment of tuition. As such, for purposes of the reclassification plan and the application of the multiplier, there should be no distinction between a private school and an independent city school. To my knowledge, the Board of Control has not articulated any difference between private schools and independent city schools, yet it has decided not to apply the multiplier to independent city schools. The result is an arbitrary application of the multiplier.

2. The 1.35 multiplier was seemingly developed in 2000 by the Alabama Athletic Association, which had as its source so-called "eligible athletic rolls" in Alabama which indicated to the AAA that the athletic participation rate among private schools was 35% higher than that in public schools. The Board of Governors, in developing its reclassification plan, has not relied on any studies of Kentucky schools and certainly has not demonstrated a disparity of participation rates between private and public schools. Instead, the Board of Governors has relied on a study conducted by an athletic association of another state (the similarities of which to Kentucky athletics have not been articulated) and which was conducted twenty six years ago. The action by the Board of Governors to institute an enrolment multiplier in Kentucky applicable to only private schools, without reference to the applicability or timeliness of the AAA statistics and based merely on the Board of Governor's statement that the multiplier has passed undescribed court cases (without further explanation of the legal arguments previously made or holdings made) appears, at best, to be arbitrary, capricious, and without a reasonable basis.

3. Of even greater significance to the Bethlehem High School community, of the eight private schools which will be impacted by the 2027-28 multiplier, seven are religiously affiliated. Therefore, the application of the multiplier will have a disparate impact on religiously affiliated schools. This fact alone will form the basis for a legal challenge to the application of the multiplier, and will likely result in Board of Control's action being held to be in violation of law. Compounding any defense the Board of Control may present is the fact secular independent city schools have not been subject to the multiplier.

In light of the above, we request that the Board of Control "table" the 2027 and 2028 Football Reclassification plan, at this time, so that it can spend more time studying this issue, seeking further input from constituents and formulating a plan that truly and fairly addresses any perceived inequities in the current structure of KHSAA football.

Thank you for your consideration of this submittal.

Dear Commissioner Tackett,

Please find the attached formal proposal concerning Classification Sustainability in Class A Football.

This document represents a collaborative effort among several Class A programs to provide the KHSAA Board of Control with data-driven insights regarding the enrollment multiplier. Our goal is to ensure the classification system remains an accurate reflection of competitive reality for the Commonwealth's smallest football programs while protecting long-term participation and student-athlete safety.

Thank you for your time and for your continued leadership of high school athletics in Kentucky.

CLASSIFICATION SUSTAINABILITY IN CLASS A FOOTBALL

I. PRELIMINARY STATEMENT

KCD is submitting this proposal to collaborate with the Board of Control in refining the application of the enrollment multiplier. Our objective is to ensure that the classification system remains an accurate reflection of competitive reality, particularly within the Commonwealth's smallest and most vulnerable football programs. We advocate for a data-driven evolution of the current policy to protect program participation and long-term viability.

II. ANALYSIS OF COMPETITIVE TRENDS (1959-2025)

To assist the Board in its ongoing evaluation of "athletic advantage," we submit the following historical performance data for Class A. This data suggests that within this specific classification, institutional type (Public vs. Non-Public) has not been the primary driver of championship-level success:

•Public Program Consistency: Since 1959, public institutions have secured 92% (62 titles) of Class A championships. While four non-public programs have achieved championship success in Class A since 1960, the data confirms this is the exception, not the rule. Even since 2005 a period of perceived shift-public institutions have secured more than 75% of all Class A titles. This confirms that the current classification structure already fosters a highly competitive environment for the Commonwealth's smallest public and independent schools. Despite the success of a few high- profile programs, public schools continue to win Class A championships at a 3-to-1 ratio over the last two decades. This data suggests that institutional type is not the primary driver of competitive dominance at this level.

•The "Independent" Variable: The historical data suggests that competitive dominance in Class A is more closely correlated with long-term institutional stability and community-wide athletic infrastructure than with governance type. While several public independent districts have maintained the highest levels of performance through these resources, they remain appropriately classified by enrollment. Applying a multiplier solely to non-public institutions regardless of their actual infrastructure or historical performance creates a classification disparity that the data does not support.

III. THE "CLASS A FLOOR & PARTICIPATION RISK

In the smallest classification, roster depth is the primary metric of program survival. A flat 1.35 multiplier creates a "statistical inflation" that does not reflect the actual number of available student-athletes.

Operational Attrition: At the Class A level, a marginal shift in enrollment does not equate to a linear increase in athletic participation.

•Risk of Forfeiture: Forcing "rebuilding" or "dormant" programs into higher classifications based on an enrollment proxy rather than on-field capacity risks creating non-competitive schedules. This directly impacts the Association's goal of maximizing student-athlete participation and safety.

IV. PROPOSED ADMINISTRATIVE REFINEMENTS

We respectfully propose two technical adjustments to the current classification model to better align with the KHSAA's mission of equitable competition:

1. Establishment of a "Class A Floor: We propose that the 32 smallest football-playing schools (by raw male enrollment) be exempt from the multiplier. This ensures that the state's most "roster-thin" programs are not displaced by a mathematical formula that does not account for their actual participation numbers.

2. Transition to a Success-Based Metric: We recommend the Board evaluate a "Success Multiplier model (similar to the IHSAA). This would move programs between classes based on demonstrated on-field performance (objective data) rather than enrollment potential (speculative data). This creates a self-correcting system where successful programs move up, and struggling programs are permitted to recalibrate within their natural enrollment class.

V. REQUEST FOR COLLABORATIVE DATA REVIEW
In the interest of administrative transparency and procedural excellence, we request that the Board of Control authorize a formal Class A Impact Study before the next realignment cycle. This would allow the KFCA and member schools to provide the Board with specific participation-to-enrollment ratios, ensuring the 1.35 metric is achieving its intended goal without unintended consequences for program retention.

VI. CONCLUSION

We offer these recommendations not as a critique of the Board's intent, but as a resource for its implementation. Our goal is a classification system that is as precise as it is fair. We look forward to discussing how these refinements can strengthen the "Small School" experience in Kentucky.
 

I agree that if they are going to do a private school multiplier, they need to look into an independent school multiplier. I compiled a list of all the independent schools by class.  However, I think the best formula would be to multiply the number of students enrolled who live outside of the school district's physical boundaries. If a school has a wider reach than its enrollment number shows, that can create a competitive advantage in football. This formula would adjust only for the students coming from outside the district, instead of penalizing every independent school the same way.

1A - Russellville
1A - Campbellsville
1A - Caverna
1A - Bellevue
1A - Dayton
1A - Newport
1A - Eminence
1A - Ludlow
1A - Berea
1A - Frankfort
1A - Paris
1A - Harlan
1A - Middlesboro
1A - Pineville
1A - Williamsburg
1A - Hazard
1A - Pikeville
1A - Fairview
1A - Paintsville
1A - Raceland

2A - Mayfield
2A - Somerset
2A - Danville
2A - Beechwood
2A - Walton-Verona

3A - Murray
3A - Glasgow
3A - Bardstown
3A - Elizabethtown
3A - Lloyd Memorial
3A - Russell

4A - Paducah Tilghman
4A - Corbin
4A - Highlands
4A - Holmes
4A - Ashland Blazer

5A - Owensboro
5A - Bowling Green

Morgan County appreciates the opportunity provided by the Kentucky High School Athletic Association to review and respond to feedback regarding the 2027–2028 football alignment.

After reviewing the proposal submitted by Prestonsburg High School, we respectfully disagree with the suggested changes and believe the current draft alignment should remain as originally constructed.

The current draft alignment places Morgan County in Class 2A, Region 6 alongside Jackson County, Lewis County, Powell County, and West Carter, while Prestonsburg is placed in Region 7 with Breathitt County, Magoffin County, and Martin County.

This structure creates two logical, geographically consistent groupings:
Region 6: I-64 / northeast corridor schools
Region 7: Mountain / Floyd–Magoffin–Martin cluster

Moving teams between these regions, as suggested, would disrupt a clear geographic boundary and create unnecessary travel complications for multiple schools—not just one.

While concerns about travel may have been cited in Prestonsburg’s proposal, those concerns are not unique to one school.

Morgan County—and others in Region 6—already face:
Significant travel distances across rural areas
Limited direct routes between schools
Increased transportation costs and missed instructional time

The current alignment distributes those challenges as evenly as possible across all member schools. Adjusting the alignment to benefit one school would shift that burden disproportionately onto others.

The KHSAA alignment process is designed to balance:
Enrollment-based classification
Geographic proximity
Competitive equity

The current structure meets those criteria effectively. Altering it based on individual preference risks:
Creating competitive imbalances
Triggering additional realignment requests from other schools
Undermining the consistency of the classification system
Maintaining stability is critical, especially with scheduling already impacted by the alignment process and the existing scheduling moratorium.

If adjustments are made in response to one school’s concerns, it sets a precedent that could:
Encourage widespread appeals
Complicate future alignment cycles
Reduce confidence in the process as a whole

Morgan County believes strongly that all schools should be held to the same standard, and that the current alignment reflects a fair application of those standards.

Morgan County High School respectfully recommends that the KHSAA retain the current proposed alignment without modification.

The existing structure:
Preserves geographic consistency
Balances travel demands across schools
Maintains competitive fairness
Supports long-term stability for scheduling and program development

We appreciate the work of the KHSAA in developing this alignment and believe the current proposal best serves the interests of all member schools—not just individual programs.

After reviewing the new allignment and districts we feel that geographically and financially it would be more manageable for us to be in 2A district 8 along with Belfry, Pike County Central and Shelby Valley. Martin County borders Pike County and those commutes would be much more manageable than the current district that we are in. Placing Martin County in District 8 and moving Leslie County and Knott County to District 7 would balance out the districts and give all teams in both districts shorter commutes to their district opponents.

Current travel for district games:
Knott County 324 miles round trip
Leslie County 524 miles round trip
Martin County 310 miles round trip

Travel for those teams under our proposal
Knott County 260 miles round trip
Leslie County 400 miles round trip
Martin County 280 miles round trip

With our proposal all teams would save valuable time and money that can be used to benefit the growth and development of their programs.

Dear KHSAA,

I am writing to provide feedback regarding the proposed 2027 2028 draft realignment for Regions 6, 7, and 8. We appreciate the time and effort that has gone into developing this proposal and the continued commitment to creating fair and competitive alignments across the state.

As currently proposed, the alignment is as follows:

Region 6: Jackson County High School, Lewis County High School, Morgan County High School, Powell County High School, West Carter High School
Region 7: Breathitt County High School, Magoffin County High School, Martin County High School, Prestonsburg High School
Region 8: Belfry High School, Knott County Central High School, Leslie County High School, Pike County Central High School, Shelby Valley High School

We would like to respectfully request consideration for an adjustment to Region 7. Specifically, we are requesting that Morgan County High School be moved into Region 7 and Breathitt County High School be reassigned out of Region 7. From a geographic standpoint, this creates a more logical and efficient regional structure, aligning schools with closer proximity and reducing overall travel demands.

To further support this request, below are approximate round trip travel distances from Prestonsburg High School to each school in the current and proposed Region 7 alignment:

Prestonsburg High School to Morgan County High School approximately 70 miles round trip
Prestonsburg High School to Magoffin County High School approximately 50 miles round trip
Prestonsburg High School to Martin County High School approximately 60 miles round trip
Prestonsburg High School to Breathitt County High School approximately 110 miles round trip

These distances demonstrate that Morgan County High School is geographically closer and a more natural fit within Region 7 compared to Breathitt County High School.

Additionally, if this adjustment is not feasible, we would like to request consideration for placement in Region 8 in place of either Knott County Central High School or Leslie County High School. Prestonsburg High School is located in close proximity to Pike County schools and would align well geographically with that region.

Supporting round trip distances from Prestonsburg High School to Region 8 schools include:

Prestonsburg High School to Pike County Central High School approximately 50 miles round trip
Prestonsburg High School to Belfry High School approximately 60 miles round trip
Prestonsburg High School to Shelby Valley High School approximately 70 miles round trip
Prestonsburg High School to Knott County Central High School approximately 90 miles round trip
Prestonsburg High School to Leslie County High School approximately 140 miles round trip

These distances further illustrate that Prestonsburg High School has stronger geographic alignment with Region 8 schools than some current members of that region.

We believe either of these adjustments would improve travel efficiency, strengthen regional cohesion, and better serve student athletes and school communities.

Thank you for your time and consideration. Please let us know if any additional information is needed.

Dear Commissioner Tackett and the KHSSA board,

After reviewing the current proposal for 2027-2028 2A alignment, we feel that travel could be shorter if an adjustment was made to regions 7 and 8. The current proposal is below, with the distance, for each school in region 8.

Region 8
Knott County Central-Pike Central: 86 miles round trip
Knott County Central to Shelby Valley: 82 miles round trip
Knott County Central to Leslie County High School: 80 miles round trip
Knott County Central to Belfry High School: 128 Miles round trip.
Total Miles: 378 Miles

We would like to request an adjustment as we are currently splitting the Pike County schools who are in close proximity to Martin and Prestonsburg High School. As Martin has requested to join region 8 and Prestonsburg as well, if Morgan from region 6 cannot replace Breathitt County. Our proposal below cuts down on travel for all teams in region 7 and 8. Marin County High School and Prestonsburg High School border the pike County schools as Knott County and Leslie County will be splitting the pike county schools, who are all in a cluster with each other. Travel for fan base could also be an issue as the current proposal puts more of a strain on fan base travel as well as shortage on bus drivers in our county. We are lucky to get a bus by 5:45pm on most Friday’s, therefore getting to the current teams locations in a timely manner and doing our pre-game could put a strain on the kids as well.

Region 7 (These miles are from Knott County Central high to all teams that would be in district 7, if an adjustment would be made)
Breathitt County High School: 94 miles round trip
Leslie County High School: 80 miles round trip
Magoffin County High School: 118 miles round trip
Total: 292 Miles

Region 8
Martin to Belfry: 60 Miles round trip
Martin to Prestonsburg: 60 miles round trip
Martin to Pike Central: 102 Miles round trip
Martin to Shelby Valley: 120 Miles round trip
Total Miles: 332

Prestonsburg to Martin: 60 miles round trip
Prestonsburg to Pike Central: 52 miles round trip
Prestonsburg to Shelby Valley: 64 miles round trip
Prestonsburg to Belfry: 72 miles round trip
Total: 239 miles

These distances show that Knott County Central is closer to the teams in district 7, if adjustments were to be made. It also demonstrates that Prestonsburg and Martin are closer to region 8.

Thank you for your time and consideration to our concern, due to travel expenses. Please let us know if there is any other information that is needed from us.

Commissioner Tackett and Board of Control,

In reviewing the current proposed alignment for 2A Region 4 Districts 7 & 8, along with the proposal from Martin County to move to District 8, Leslie County petitions to be placed in District 7.

District 8 poses heavy travel burdens on our transportation department monetarily and with our shortage of bus drivers early departure times required are extremely difficult to achieve.

District 8 Travel

Hyden to Belfry (202 miles round trip)

Hyden to Shelby Valley (171.4 miles round trip)

Hyden to Pike Co. Central (150 miles round trip)

Hyden to Knott Co. Central (76.4 miles round trip)

District 8 total distance of travel (599.8 miles)

District 7 Travel

Hyden to Breathitt Co (94 miles round trip)

Hyden to Magoffin Co. (152 miles round trip)

Hyden to Prestonsburg (134 miles round trip)

District 7 total distance of travel (380 miles)

Commissioner Tackett and Board of Control, thank you for your time and consideration of our request.

Superintendent Brett Wilson and Principal Mark Collett

Leslie County Schools

On behalf of the Bath County School District, I am writing to respectfully request your consideration in appealing the proposed football realignment recently introduced by the KHSAA for Bath County High School.

Our request is based on several key factors—including travel demands, enrollment trends, and program sustainability—I believe a reconsideration is both necessary and justified.

Specifically, I would like to advocate for placing Bath County in the proposed 2A, District 6 with Lewis County High School, West Carter High School, Morgan County High School, Powell County High School, and Jackson County High School. This preferable alignment creates a more geographically connected Eastern Kentucky district that significantly reduces travel time. Most away contests would fall within approximately 35 minutes to 1 hour, compared to the current projected alignment which includes trips 2 hours one way. These extended travel demands place a considerable burden on our student-athletes both academically and physically.

Additionally, the financial burden associated with extended travel cannot be overlooked. Travel to Lloyd Memorial (115 miles), Pendleton County (73 miles), and St. Henry (116 miles) exceeds our board-approved limit of 100 miles round trip. This creates added financial strain on boosters and families to cover excess transportation costs, further impacting our program and community.

Moreover, from an enrollment standpoint, the proposed Eastern Kentucky district presents a more balanced and equitable competitive environment. The average enrollment in that grouping is approximately 278, compared to 338 in the alternative alignment—a difference of over 60 students. Competing against consistently larger schools places Bath County at a structural disadvantage, particularly given our current and projected roster limitations.

Looking ahead, our male enrollment is projected to decline from (current numbers) 267 to 251 over the next four years. If the male student enrollment totals were incorporated from the 24/25 school year of 316, that further proves an even more significant overall decline of 65 male students. While the current decrease of 16 male students may appear minimal in larger districts, it is significant for a program of our size. Just two years ago, we were only able to field 21 players, and this past season we had a roster of 34, with only 12 upperclassmen available for Friday night competition after JV commitments. A continued decline could directly impact our ability to safely and sustainably field a team.

For these reasons, I believe it is important that we advocate for a reevaluation of the current proposed district alignment. Our requested Eastern Kentucky alignment not only promotes competitive equity but also supports student-athlete well-being, fiscal responsibility, and long-term program sustainability.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing on behalf of our school and community to respectfully request consideration for reclassification from Class 3A to Class 2A.

This request is based primarily on two concerns that are significantly affecting our students, athletes, families, and school resources: student enrollment numbers and extensive travel requirements associated with our current classification.

First, our current student population and participation numbers are more comparable to schools competing at the 2A level. Remaining in 3A places our students at a disadvantage when competing against larger schools with greater enrollment, deeper athletic rosters, and broader available resources. We believe that a move to 2A would provide a more balanced and equitable competitive environment for our student-athletes.

Second, the travel demands required under our current alignment have created ongoing challenges for students, families, coaches, and staff. Long travel distances result in increased transportation costs, excessive time away from classrooms, later return times on school nights, and additional strain on our athletic programs and community support systems. A reclassification to 2A would help reduce these burdens while improving student well-being and maintaining stronger regional competition opportunities.

Our goal is to ensure that our students are placed in an environment that best supports fair competition, academic success, student safety, and community involvement. We respectfully ask that our circumstances be reviewed carefully and that serious consideration be given to approving this request.

Thank you for your time, consideration, and continued support of our students and athletic programs. Please feel free to contact us if additional information or documentation is needed.

Sincerely,
Tony Isaac
Athletic Director
Floyd Central High School
Cell – 606-791-2741

I am writing to respectfully advocate for the placement of Letcher County Central High School in Class 3A District 7 rather than Class 3A District 8 as part of the ongoing district realignment process.

A primary factor in this consideration is the travel time and distance required for student-athletes, staff, and families. When comparing the two district options, District 7 presents a more balanced and practical travel schedule overall.

District 7 Travel (One-Way):
• Russell: 2 hours 37 minutes (161 miles)
• East Carter: 2 hours 20 minutes (114 miles)
• Lawrence County: 1 hour 52 minutes (99 miles)
• Floyd Central: 57 minutes (46 miles)

District 8 Travel (One-Way):
• Bell County: 1 hour 30 minutes (75 miles)
• Rockcastle County: 2 hours 12 minutes (121 miles)
• Knox Central: 1 hour 42 minutes (86 miles)
• Clay County: 1 hour 35 minutes (80 miles)
• Perry Central: 49 minutes (37 miles)

While both districts include longer travel destinations, District 8 requires more frequent mid-range trips in the 1.5 to 2+ hour range across a greater number of schools. This results in increased cumulative travel time, more missed instructional time for students, and added transportation costs.

District 7, by contrast, offers a more manageable structure with fewer total opponents and a clearer balance between one shorter trip (Floyd Central) and longer trips that, while significant, are fewer in number. This structure allows for more efficient scheduling and reduces the repeated strain of extended travel throughout the season.
Additionally, minimizing travel demands is essential for student well-being, academic success, and community involvement. Long and frequent travel can create fatigue, limit participation, and place unnecessary burdens on families and school resources.

For these reasons, District 7 represents a more practical and sustainable alignment for Letcher County Central High School. I appreciate your time and thoughtful consideration of this matter.