Charles City School District to Inquire About Switch to NCC

With the future of Iowa’s oldest high school athletic conference on shaky ground, the Charles City School District is exploring their options.

Last week, the Howard-Winneshiek School Board voted to request admission into the Upper Iowa Conference (UIC) starting with the 2025-26 school year. The UIC is also interested in other, current Northeast Iowa Conference (NEIC) schools, New Hampton and Waukon.

Waverly-Shell Rock, voted out of the NEIC after they were deemed to be too big compared to other member schools, is slated to depart the NEIC after June 30th.

CCCSD Activities Director Dana Sullivan told the Charles City School Board Monday (01.22)  night that a meeting of coaches and community members came to the consensus that the Comets can’t wait and see what happens.

Todd Forsyth told the School Board it’s been a struggle to hold the NEIC together.

Forsyth added that a difficult situation comes with tough choices.

Forsyth also noted that the NEIC has been rebuffed by about a half dozen schools invited to join the league, including Osage and North Fayette Valley in recent months.

The School Board voted unanimously to direct Superintendent Anne Lundquist to submit a letter of inquiry about joining the North Central Conference (NCC). Board member Katheryn Fox noted that it does not commit the Comets to joining the league, but it does warrant the exploration.

The NEIC has been around since 1920.